Wales Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA Re-Election

The Football Association of Wales has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, becoming the first national football association to formally take that step.

The FAW said Infantino had lost its confidence over failures in governance, leadership, stakeholder management and judgment. It linked its decision to his handling of a proposal to sell private investors stakes connected to the World Cup.

Infantino shelved that plan last week after it was rejected by three football confederations. The controversy has nevertheless continued to draw scrutiny of his leadership ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

The Welsh association’s decision is distinct from broader criticism already voiced in Britain. England’s Football Association has called for a full review of Infantino’s leadership, while the UK prime minister has said he should not remain in charge.

Infantino has led FIFA for a decade. The practical effect of Wales’s decision will depend on whether other national associations also withdraw support before the election for the 2027–2031 term.