The English Football Association (FA) is set to formally withdraw its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, deepening the crisis surrounding his leadership following the collapse of his controversial private investment proposal.
According to reports, the FA will write to Infantino to confirm its decision, joining a growing list of football associations distancing themselves from the FIFA president ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Infantino is expected to seek a fourth and final term as FIFA president in March 2027. To secure re-election, he will need the backing of 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations. The move by the English FA comes as UEFA considers legal action over the abandoned investment proposal. However, the Football Association of Wales has already withdrawn its support for Infantino’s leadership.
Sources also told BBC Sport that the Scottish FA remains aligned with UEFA’s position and no longer has confidence in the FIFA president.
The Controversy
The controversy stems from Infantino’s proposal to establish a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The new entity would have managed FIFA’s flagship competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, while allowing external investors to purchase minority stakes.
Infantino had promised member associations $40 million each if they backed the proposal, with an initial payment of $20 million tied to a September deadline. However, the plan was abandoned after widespread opposition from football’s continental governing bodies.
UEFA has since warned FIFA that it is considering legal action, arbitration and regulatory complaints linked to the proposal.
In a letter to Infantino, Europe’s governing body demanded that FIFA preserve all documents related to the project, including emails, text messages, instant messaging conversations, meeting notes and correspondence involving FIFA officials, member associations and potential investors.
UEFA also requested records connected to the proposed payments promised to member associations.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister described the situation as “an abysmal governance process.” She also called for greater accountability within world football.
“We cannot keep putting out fires because of unilateral plans,” she said.
“I really hope now that we can have a change of leadership next year.”
Support for Infantino has also weakened elsewhere, with Serbia and Finland reportedly withdrawing their backing. However, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and Sri Lanka have publicly reaffirmed their support for the FIFA president.
Meanwhile, the possibility of an emergency FIFA Council meeting has emerged. Under FIFA rules, such a meeting can be convened if 19 of the 37 council members request it. If held, members could seek Infantino’s resignation before the next presidential election.
The growing opposition represents one of the biggest challenges of Infantino’s presidency. Also raising fresh uncertainty over his bid to remain at the helm of world football.
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