The Football Association (FA) is set to formally withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as Fifa president, intensifying pressure on his leadership. This decision follows a similar move by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), which confirmed its withdrawal of backing for Infantino’s candidacy.
The FA’s move comes after it previously endorsed Infantino for a fourth term. The FAW stated that recent failures in governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications, and judgment have led to a loss of confidence in Infantino’s ability to lead world football.
Mounting Pressure on Infantino
The FAW’s statement highlighted that failing to prioritise the best interests of football is unacceptable. This sentiment is echoed by other European countries, with the Football Association of Finland having already withdrawn its support last week. More European nations are anticipated to follow suit in an effort to prompt Infantino’s resignation.
Uefa federations have reportedly been preparing a collective withdrawal of letters supporting Infantino. Prior to recent revelations concerning his privately backed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, nearly all of the continent’s 55 member associations had communicated their backing.
The FA has previously aligned with Infantino, who is expected to oversee an extraordinary Fifa congress in November to confirm the UK’s hosting of the 2035 Women’s World Cup, provided he remains in his position. However, the FA has consistently condemned his Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, both publicly and privately.
On Saturday, the FA called for a comprehensive review of Fifa’s leadership and governance, with its latest action representing a further escalation of its concerns. While the FA’s stance is firm, it is not expected to publicise its withdrawal letter. This approach is shared by some other European entities, who believe that the movement to unseat Infantino requires momentum from various continents.
Opposition within Europe is not expected to be difficult to achieve, but Infantino’s future may depend on the leadership demonstrated by members of the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, where opinions on his tenure have been more divided.
Potential Successors and Future Outlook
Infantino, who is Swiss, finds himself in a challenging position after abandoning controversial plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors. He is currently set to seek re-election in March for what would be his fourth and final term as president, requiring 106 votes from Fifa’s 211 members to win. However, national associations, including those from England and Wales, have begun to retract their letters of support for his re-election.
There is also the possibility that the Fifa Council could attempt to compel Infantino’s resignation through an emergency meeting. If his tenure is indeed nearing its end, several individuals are being considered as potential successors.
Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, is one such figure. Elected in 2016, Montagliani promised governance reform and was significantly involved in the organisation of the 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted by three nations. He is fluent in French, Italian, Spanish, and English. Montagliani led Concacaf when it hosted an expanded Copa America in 2024. He has also been politically active, helping to smooth relations regarding former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s proposal for a biennial World Cup, and has not fully supported the idea of a 64-team tournament.
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the AFC, is another potential candidate. First elected in 2013, Al Khalifa was re-elected unopposed for a fourth term that runs until 2027. He has overseen considerable growth within the Asian confederation, including the expansion of the Asian Cup to 24 teams and the launch of the Women’s Champions League in 2024-25. Al Khalifa has been critical of Infantino’s management of Fifa and has the backing of a 46-member confederation, many of whom recognise the substantial financial figures offered by Infantino’s plans.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris St-Germain, took over as chairman of the European Clubs’ Association after the collapse of the European Super League in 2021. He oversaw a name change to European Football Clubs and expanded its membership to over 800 clubs, with only Real Madrid remaining outside. While he would theoretically be a strong challenger to Infantino, sources close to the 52-year-old suggest he does not desire the role.
Mattias Grafstrom, appointed Fifa secretary general in May 2024, has become an increasingly influential voice within Fifa. He served as Infantino’s chief of staff following his election in 2016 and was a visible presence at the World Cup. However, his close association with Infantino and the general sentiment that Fifa’s next president should not be European could work against him.
Candidates for the Fifa presidency have until 18 November to put their names forward, with the next president to be confirmed at the organisation’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March.
Source: bbc.co.uk