The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president, citing a breakdown in trust over his leadership of world football.
FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation’s executive committee took the decision unanimously on Thursday.
“The trust placed in the FIFA president has been broken,” Diallo told reporters. “The way in which we envisage the running of world football no longer corresponds with the way it is being conducted.”
Why France withdrew its support
France backed Infantino’s candidacy at the end of June when he was the only declared candidate.
However, Diallo said events since then had changed the situation.
“The conditions for our support for his candidacy were no longer there,” he said.
Infantino has faced criticism over his failed plan to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
FIFA abandoned the proposal in July after strong opposition from football’s regional confederations.
Diallo said FIFA did not properly consult federations before the plan emerged. He said this raised concerns about the organisation’s governance and decision-making.
Infantino faces growing opposition
France’s decision follows similar moves by several European football federations, including England and Italy.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have also called for change at the top of FIFA. The groups are now seeking a credible alternative to Infantino ahead of the election.
Diallo said France’s decision formed part of a wider push for change within UEFA and beyond.
“It is not enough simply to criticise if you want things to move forward. You also have to make proposals,” Diallo said.
He said UEFA must first agree on a platform for the next FIFA leadership cycle before choosing its candidate.
“We will need to be ready by then to put forward a candidacy capable of winning the FIFA presidency,” Diallo said.
Infantino still has the support of South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF.
The FIFA presidential election will be held in Rabat on March 18, 2027. FIFA will close the nomination process on November 18.
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