Archive · 3 Aug 2026
England FA to Withdraw Support for Infantino After Plan Fallout
Gianni Infantino is the boss of FIFA, the group that runs world football.
He tried to sell part of the World Cup to private investors, but many football groups said it was a bad idea.
The Football Association of Wales was the first to say they no longer support him.
Now the Football Association of England is also pulling its support.
Some big football groups like UEFA and CONCACAF are upset and even threatened to stop playing in FIFA tournaments.
Inside FIFA, a senior advisor quit and the chief operating officer said Infantino misled staff.
Even though there is a lot of criticism, Infantino still plans to run for another term in 2027.
England’s FA announced it will withdraw support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after backlash over a failed plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup to private investors.
Wales was the first national association to formally withdraw backing, prompting pressure on Infantino ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation criticized the lack of consultation and threatened to boycott major FIFA tournaments, while UEFA considered legal action.
FIFA internal fallout includes the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro and accusations from COO Kevin Lamour that Infantino misled staff.
Despite the controversy, Infantino is expected to run for a fourth term in March 2027, with support from several African and Asian football bodies.
- Who
- Gianni Infantino, Football Association of England, Football Association of Wales, UEFA
- What
- Withdrawal of support for Infantino's re‑election after failed World Cup stake sale
- When
- Early 2024
- Where
- England and Wales
- Why
- Backlash over lack of consultation and governance concerns
- FIFA President
- Gianni Infantino
- Failed Plan
- Sell 20% stake in World Cup to private investors
- Key Stakeholders
- UEFA, CONCACAF, Asian Football Confederation
- FA Withdrawals
- England and Wales
- Upcoming Election
- 2027 FIFA presidential election
