Archive · 10 Sep 2026
French Federation Withdraws Support for Infantino’s FIFA Reelection Bid
France’s football federation no longer supports Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president.
Its executive committee made the decision unanimously.
The federation said events involving FIFA’s leadership had harmed football’s image and unity.
One major issue was Infantino’s plan to sell part of World Cup competitions to private investors.
FIFA dropped that plan after football groups strongly opposed it.
Reports differ on whether the plan was abandoned in July or on August 1.
England and Italy have also withdrawn their support.
Several football confederations want a change in FIFA leadership, while South America’s and Africa’s confederations still support Infantino.
The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat.
The French Football Federation unanimously withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino’s reelection as FIFA president.
The decision followed criticism of Infantino’s proposed $4.2 billion sale of stakes in World Cup competitions to private equity.
FIFA abandoned the proposal shortly after it became public, with reports differing on whether this occurred in July or August.
England’s and Italy’s federations have also withdrawn their backing, while UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF seek leadership change.
Infantino is expected to seek a final term through 2031 in the FIFA election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat.
- Who
- The French Football Federation, FFF President Philippe Diallo, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and several regional football confederations.
- What
- The French Football Federation withdrew its support for Infantino’s reelection as FIFA president.
- When
- The announcement was made on Thursday; the election is scheduled for March 18, 2027.
- Where
- The election will take place in Rabat.
- Why
- The FFF cited concerns about FIFA governance, Infantino’s abandoned World Cup stake-sale proposal and initiatives it said damaged football’s image and unity.
Calls for FIFA leadership change
Support for Infantino’s reelection
FIFA leadership
Calls for FIFA leadership change
The French Football Federation, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF support governance reform or a change at the top of FIFA; UEFA has said it lost confidence in Infantino.
Support for Infantino’s reelection
Infantino is seeking another term, and CONMEBOL and CAF continue to support him.
World Cup investment proposal
Calls for FIFA leadership change
Critics opposed selling a 20% stake in FIFA competitions to private investors, arguing that the proposal reflected governance concerns; the plan was abandoned after pushback.
Support for Infantino’s reelection
The proposal was withdrawn, but the reports do not state that Infantino’s remaining supporters changed their position because of it.
National federation backing
Calls for FIFA leadership change
France, England and Italy have withdrawn their support for Infantino’s reelection bid.
Support for Infantino’s reelection
Infantino retains backing from South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF.
- Decision
- The French Football Federation’s executive committee unanimously withdrew its support for Infantino’s reelection.
- Announcing official
- Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation.
- Proposed sale
- Infantino proposed selling a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
- Reported value
- The proposal was described as a $4.2 billion sale to private equity.
- Proposal status
- FIFA withdrew the proposal after intense opposition; the reports date its abandonment to July or August 1.
- Election
- The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat.
- Infantino’s candidacy
- FIFA said Infantino plans to seek another term, described as his final term through 2031.
