Wales withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA re-election bid
Wales have become the first country to publicly withdraw their support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain as FIFA president.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) said it no longer supports Infantino’s bid to lead world football for another term from 2027 to 2031.
The decision comes after growing concerns over Infantino’s leadership, following his now-scrapped plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.
The plan caused strong reactions across world football. UEFA even warned that European countries could consider boycotting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
UEFA and CONCACAF, which governs football in North, Central America and the Caribbean, both criticised FIFA’s leadership after Infantino dropped the investment plan.
In a statement, the FAW said recent problems with FIFA’s governance, leadership, communication and decision-making had caused Infantino to lose its confidence.
The Welsh football body said:
“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
Wales’ decision is the first public withdrawal of support for Infantino’s re-election campaign and could increase pressure on the FIFA president ahead of the 2027 election.
