French Football Federation withdraws support for FIFA President Infantino

What the report says

The French Football Federation has withdrawn its backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election campaign, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on Reuters. FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation’s executive committee voted unanimously to end support, arguing that trust in FIFA’s leadership had been damaged. France had previously indicated support when Infantino was the only declared candidate, but Diallo said later developments changed the situation.

The shift follows a backlash over Infantino’s abandoned plan to open FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investment. That proposal was dropped in July after criticism from regional football bodies. Diallo said the episode raised concerns about FIFA’s governance and the way decisions were handled, particularly around consultation with member federations.

France’s move places it alongside several other European federations, including those in Belgium, England, Italy, Scotland and Sweden, that have also moved away from supporting Infantino. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have called for change at FIFA’s top level and are looking for a credible alternative before the next election.

Infantino still has backing from South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF. The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, with candidate filings due on November 18, 2026.