Wales withdraws support for Infantinos FIFA re-election bid over governance failures

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Wales withdraws support for Infantinos FIFA re-election bid over governance failures
UEFA threatens World Cup boycott as FIFA plan to sell World Cup rights sparks global backlash
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Wales became the first national football association to publicly withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid as FIFA president, the Football Association of Wales announced on Monday. The FAW cited “recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement” as reasons for its decision, adding that “failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept” .
The move follows FIFA’s abandonment of a controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in its commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors through a new subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation had all opposed the plan, with UEFA’s 55 member nations agreeing to boycott FIFA competitions if it proceeded . UEFA also threatened legal action, arbitration, or regulatory complaints in a letter to Infantino, demanding the preservation of all related documents .
Infantino, FIFA president since 2016, had intended to seek a final four-year term in March 2027 at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco . The FAW confirmed it had formally notified FIFA in writing of its withdrawal of support for his candidacy for the 2027–2031 term .
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly stated on Friday that Infantino is “the wrong man” to lead FIFA, while England’s Football Association called for a “full and robust review” of his leadership . The FAW’s decision marks the first official withdrawal of support by a national association, though other federations are reportedly considering similar steps .
FIFA’s scrapped investor plan had proposed inviting “third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments” in the new subsidiary, but faced unified opposition from major confederations . The backlash has intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership ahead of the 2027 election, with no official challenger yet declared. Candidates for the FIFA presidency must submit their applications by Nov. 18, 2026 .
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