FA set to withdraw support for Fifa president Infantino

What the report says

The English Football Association is expected to formally withdraw its support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino, adding to the backlash over his abandoned plan to bring in private investment for Fifa competitions. According to BBC Sport, the move follows criticism from European and regional football bodies after Infantino’s proposal to create a new commercial arm for major tournaments, including the World Cup, was scrapped.

Uefa has gone further, warning that it may pursue legal action, arbitration or regulatory complaints over the Fifa Forward Enterprise plan. It also asked that relevant documents and electronic records be preserved, including communications and meeting notes linked to the proposal. Uefa’s letter appears aimed at protecting evidence as the dispute escalates.

The controversy has widened beyond Europe. Uefa and Concacaf have publicly criticised the plan, while the Asian Football Confederation has said it stands in solidarity with them. Some national associations, including Wales, have already withdrawn support for Infantino’s bid to remain in office. At the same time, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and Sri Lanka have backed him, showing that the issue is splitting Fifa’s membership.

The row matters because Infantino could seek re-election for a fourth and final term if he remains in place until March. He would need 106 votes from Fifa’s 211 members, or opposition could try to force an emergency Fifa Council meeting if enough members support one. The dispute has become a broader test of confidence in Infantino’s leadership and of how far European pressure can shape the global game.