The English Football Association is set to withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, deepening the crisis around the organisation’s leader ahead of the 2027 election.
England follows Wales, which became the first national association to announce that it no longer backed Infantino. Other European football associations are expected to consider a similar move in the coming days, increasing pressure on the FIFA president.
The decision comes after the collapse of Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal was formally abandoned after it triggered an angry response from continental and national associations.
The English FA’s change of position was reported by The Times, which said it would withdraw a previous letter expressing support for Infantino’s continued leadership. The move is viewed as a significant indication of the loss of confidence in Infantino within European football.
UEFA said in an official statement that several countries, including England and Wales, had been prepared to boycott future World Cup competitions unless the commercial rights proposal was withdrawn. FIFA subsequently performed a rapid U-turn and dropped the plan.
The abandoned project had been seen as a major part of Infantino’s wider commercial ambitions for FIFA. Its failure has instead created a political crisis for the president, with European associations increasingly questioning his leadership as the next presidential election approaches.
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, and support from Europe has been regarded as one of the main foundations of his authority during that period. The decisions by Wales and England suggest that this backing is now weakening.
The English FA’s move is being interpreted as the beginning of a potential domino effect. Further governing bodies could follow Wales and England, particularly as calls for Infantino to leave office grow across Europe.
The dispute centres on the proposed sale of commercial stakes connected to competitions organised by FIFA. The plan was met by strong opposition from football authorities before it was officially abandoned, avoiding the threatened boycott of future World Cups.
Although the project has been withdrawn, its consequences continue to affect Infantino’s position. Observers believe the controversy could seriously damage his chances of securing another term when FIFA’s presidential election is held in 2027.
Wales’ initial withdrawal of support, followed by England’s decision, represents a clear challenge to the European base that has helped sustain Infantino since he became FIFA president. The prospect of other associations joining them has added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Infantino now faces an unprecedented period of doubt over his position at the head of world football’s governing body. What began as an ambitious attempt to reshape FIFA’s commercial arrangements has developed into a political threat to his continued leadership.
