The Football Association (FA) has added further pressure on Gianni Infantino by officially withdrawing its support for his re-election. The FA was among approximately 200 of Fifa’s members who initially agreed to back his bid for a third term. However, it reversed its decision in response to Infantino’s plan to sell up to 20% of Fifa Forward Enterprise at a valuation of $20bn. The FA’s U-turn follows a similar move by the Welsh FA and is part of a coordinated effort from European stakeholders to force Infantino out. European nations have led the revolt against the plan, with Uefa, the most powerful of Fifa’s continental federations, having previously threatened to boycott future World Cups unless the plan was scrapped. Infantino eventually abandoned the proposal after the resignation of his senior advisor and Fifa’s chief operating officer, who disowned the initiative.
FA chair Debbie Hewitt is one of the vice-presidents of the Fifa Council. A vote of no confidence against Infantino could occur if 43 of Fifa’s 211 FAs or 19 of the 37 members of the Fifa Council support it. The Football Association of Wales initiated the trend by announcing: “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.” The statement continued, highlighting “recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement” as reasons for the decision. The Welsh FA emphasized that “failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
Al-Khelaifi's denial of a power play
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and a top Uefa executive, has been speculated as a potential leader of a campaign to unseat Infantino. However, his representatives have publicly stated that he has 'zero interest' in orchestrating such a political maneuver. Al-Khelaifi, who came in second on City AM’s Football Power List this year after Infantino, has repeatedly denied any ambitions for the top Fifa role.
Those close to Al-Khelaifi emphasized that the Qatari businessman prefers a more private lifestyle. He also leads the BeIn Media Group and the European Football Clubs Association. This includes daily sessions of playing padel. Al-Khelaifi’s camp insists he has not spoken out against Fifa in the public sphere. He does this to avoid fueling perceptions of personal ambition. A spokesperson for him reiterated in a recent statement that he has 'no ambition, no intention, and no interest in the Fifa role.' He will continue to 'quietly and constructively support all institutions of world and European football.'
AFC calls for review, adds pressure
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has joined the growing chorus of dissent. It issued a strong statement condemning Fifa’s commercial plans. The AFC urged an urgent review of Fifa’s governance processes. It argues that key decisions should not be made without 'proper consultation, meaningful engagement, and appropriate oversight by Fifa’s statutory bodies.' The organization also expressed 'solidarity' with Uefa. This is given the unified resistance from all 55 European associations to Fifa’s proposed commercial moves.
The AFC warned that the sale of stakes in Fifa Forward Enterprise could undermine the integrity of football governance if not carefully considered. It highlighted the need for transparent decision-making frameworks that serve the interests of the sport as a whole, rather than private investors. The statement signals that Asia, a major bloc within Fifa, is increasingly unwilling to accept decisions perceived as favoring specific financial interests over the broader football community.
European nations have led the revolt against the sell-off and voted unanimously last week to boycott future World Cups unless the plan was abandoned permanently. Infantino shelved it at the weekend but has so far refused to bow to calls for him to quit after 10 years in charge and ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Al-Khelaifi’s position within Uefa’s executive committee and Fifa Council, combined with his influence in the European Football Clubs Association, gives him considerable sway in any potential leadership shift at Fifa. He remains one of the most credible candidates should European stakeholders decide to mount a challenge during the next presidential election. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin is another likely contender, though he has not publicly backed the boycott of Fifa events or criticized Infantino directly in recent days.
Beyond Europe, potential alternatives to Infantino include Asian Confederation chief Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, African football boss Patrice Motsepe, and Canadian official Victor Montagliani. These leaders could form part of a broader, global effort to reshape Fifa’s direction and address the current crisis.
With each passing day, the pressure on Infantino intensifies. The resignation of his senior advisor and the growing disapproval from key confederations like the AFC and Uefa have forced him to confront the likelihood of a significant re-evaluation of his presidency. Whether a successor emerges from European ranks or elsewhere, the football world is clearly signaling that the current leadership model is in urgent need of change.