Wales Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino's Fifa Re-election

The Football Association of Wales has dramatically withdrawn its backing for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as Fifa president, a stinging rebuke rooted in his failed attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Infantino abandoned the controversial plan last week after fierce opposition from three confederations. The climbdown has not eased the pressure. If anything, it has sharpened the focus on his decade-long spell in charge of world football’s governing body.

Political and football anger has been building. The UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, publicly branded Infantino the “wrong man” to lead Fifa on Friday. England’s Football Association has already demanded a “full and robust review” of his leadership.

Now Wales has gone a step further.

In a strongly worded statement, the FAW confirmed it no longer supports the Swiss official’s bid to remain in office for the 2027–2031 term. “The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino, for re-election as Fifa president for the 2027–2031 term,” it said.

The language that followed left little room for doubt about the depth of frustration in Cardiff.

“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

With Infantino due to stand for re-election in March next year, Wales has become the first national association to formally sever its support. One association on its own will not decide the presidency. But a public break like this, and from within European football, raises a sharper question: who is still willing to stand beside him as the campaign begins in earnest?