Wales First to Withdraw Support for Infantino

Wales has become the first football nation to publicly withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, citing concerns over leadership, governance and decision-making at world football’s governing body.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed it had withdrawn its backing for Infantino’s re-election campaign for the 2027-2031 term, following growing criticism over his leadership and a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA competitions.

In a statement, the FAW said it had “withdrawn its support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino for re-election as Fifa president for the 2027-2031 term.”

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The decision follows backlash over Infantino’s plans to explore selling stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms, a move that triggered concern among football stakeholders over the sport’s future direction and commercial control.

European football’s governing body, UEFA, had warned it could consider boycotting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in response to the proposal. The plan was later abandoned, but criticism of FIFA’s leadership continued.

Wales First to Withdraw Support for Infantino. Getty Images

UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) both issued statements questioning FIFA’s approach and leadership after Infantino dropped the investment proposal.

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The FAW said the controversy had contributed to a wider loss of trust in FIFA’s leadership. It stated: “The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.”

The Welsh football body added that prioritising commercial interests over the wider needs of the game was unacceptable, saying: “Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

Infantino, who first became FIFA president in 2016, is seeking another term in office. However, Wales’ decision marks the first formal public challenge to his re-election bid and could increase pressure on FIFA leadership ahead of the 2027 vote.

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