The French Football Federation has decided to withdraw its support for FIFA president Infantino

The French Football Federation is pulling its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign as FIFA chief next year, according to FFF President Philippe Diallo, who stated on Thursday that trust in the leader of the global soccer governing body has been compromised.

Diallo stated that the FFF's executive committee made the decision unanimously. "The trust placed in the FIFA president has been broken," Diallo informed reporters. The manner in which we imagine the operation of global football no longer aligns with its current execution.


Infantino, who is pursuing another term as FIFA president, has encountered increasing criticism since his unsuccessful attempt to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors was scrapped in July due to significant opposition from football's regional confederations.

Diallo stated that France had initially supported Infantino's candidacy at the end of June, when he was the sole declared candidate, but that later developments had significantly altered the situation. "The conditions for our support for his candidacy no longer existed," he remarked.

Diallo noted that the suggested stake sale, which came about without what he termed adequate consultation or information being shared with federations, had raised significant concerns regarding FIFA's governance and decision-making.

Several European federations, including those of England and Italy, have retracted their support for Infantino following the failure of his proposal.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and North America's CONCACAF have advocated for a shift in leadership at FIFA and are in search of a viable alternative prior to the March election.

Diallo stated that France's decision was part of a larger trend within UEFA and beyond, and that discussions would now center on governance reform and identifying a candidate capable of defeating Infantino.

It is insufficient to merely criticize if you wish to see progress. You also need to make proposals," Diallo stated.

He stated that UEFA would need to establish a platform for the upcoming FIFA leadership cycle and, when the time arrives, select a candidate for the election.

We must be prepared by that time to present a candidacy that has the potential to secure the FIFA presidency," Diallo stated.

Infantino continues to enjoy the backing of South America's CONMEBOL and Africa's CAF.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, with the candidacy deadline set for November 18.