Irish FA withdraws support for Infantino

What the report says

The Irish Football Association has said it will not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as Fifa president, saying the world governing body needs “change.” According to BBC Sport Football, the Northern Ireland association’s decision follows growing criticism of Infantino and comes after a controversial plan to sell a 21% stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to a private investment firm was abandoned.

The IFA said the proposal raised serious concerns about Fifa’s strategy, governance and stewardship of its assets. BBC Sport reported that the plan was scrapped after broad criticism, with Uefa even threatening to boycott Fifa competitions. The IFA had already aligned itself with Uefa’s concerns, but the statement marks a more formal withdrawal of support.

The BBC said the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have already publicly moved away from backing Infantino. He is due to stand for a fourth presidential term in March. If re-elected, his leadership could extend to 15 years by the end of that term in 2031.

The development matters because it adds to pressure on Infantino ahead of the vote and highlights continuing debate over Fifa’s direction and governance. The IFA’s position also reflects wider unease among several British and Irish football associations over the organisation’s leadership.