France Withdraws Support for Infantino as FIFA President

The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president, marking a major setback for the incumbent ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

FFF President Philippe Diallo announced the decision after the federation’s executive committee unanimously agreed to end its backing for Infantino, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership.

France had previously supported Infantino’s bid for another term, but tensions increased following his controversial proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial structure that would have allowed private investors to acquire a minority stake in FIFA’s competition-related business.

The proposal, which was eventually abandoned, faced strong opposition from several football confederations and national associations. Critics raised concerns about the process through which the plan was developed and questions surrounding transparency and governance.

The French federation’s decision adds to growing opposition to Infantino within European football.

Several national associations, including those of England, Wales, Sweden, Serbia, Finland, Norway and the Republic of Ireland, have already withdrawn their support or called for changes in FIFA leadership.

UEFA, alongside the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, has also expressed strong opposition to Infantino’s recent leadership approach and the abandoned investment proposal.

Diallo said the French federation believes FIFA needs reforms and a credible alternative candidate capable of presenting a different vision for the organisation.

Despite the growing opposition, Infantino continues to enjoy significant backing from other parts of the global football community, particularly Africa and South America. The Confederation of African Football and CONMEBOL remain supportive of his leadership.

Infantino has confirmed that he intends to seek a fourth term at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.

The election is expected to become increasingly contested as the November 18 deadline for presidential nominations approaches.

Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023. A new term would keep him in office until 2031.

The withdrawal of French support represents a significant political development because France has historically been an influential voice within European and global football.

With the election campaign gathering momentum, football associations are now expected to intensify discussions over possible reforms and whether a credible challenger can emerge to oppose Infantino.

Despite the growing resistance, the FIFA president remains in a strong electoral position because of support from several powerful regional blocs and the absence, so far, of an officially declared challenger with sufficient backing to defeat him.