French Football Federation withdraws support for Infantino ahead of 2027 FIFA election

The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, calling for wide-ranging reforms to the organisation’s governance.

The decision was taken unanimously by the FFF executive committee in Paris on Thursday, at the request of president Philippe Diallo. It comes ahead of the FIFA presidential election on 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.

France had initially backed Infantino when he was the only declared candidate for re-election, but said the circumstances behind that decision no longer existed.

France now joins Italy, Belgium, Sweden and Scotland in withdrawing their support for the FIFA president. Sandor Csanyi, one of FIFA’s eight vice-presidents, has also distanced himself from Infantino.

Infantino confirmed in April that he intended to seek a fourth term, and a FIFA spokesperson told Sky Sports several days ago: “In April last year Gianni Infantino announced that he would stand for re-election as FIFA president in 2027. Nothing has changed. Infantino will stand for re-election.”

It was the first time FIFA had confirmed Infantino’s intention to pursue another term since a dispute emerged following the World Cup held this summer.

The FFF said a series of developments after it announced its backing on 29 June had directly affected FIFA’s governance and its president, while conflicting with fundamental principles of good governance and football’s values.

At the end of July, a plan led by Infantino was revealed to establish a commercial company that would include, among other assets, World Cup rights, with shares made available to outside investors.

The FFF said: “A project with such a major impact on the future of football cannot be put forward without comprehensive information, in-depth consultations and a fully transparent decision-making process. FIFA’s governance does not meet the standards represented by football.”

The proposed project was eventually abandoned after a united position from UEFA, coordinated with several other continental confederations. However, the FFF said FIFA’s governance could not be regarded as a resolved issue.

It said recent initiatives by Infantino had seriously damaged football’s image and unity, prompting its decision to withdraw support before the March 2027 election.

The French federation has called for a plan to reform FIFA’s governance, developed in consultation with continental and national associations and other stakeholders, including players and supporters. It also wants football’s future development to combine excellence with solidarity.

The FFF will begin consultations in the coming days with prominent French and international figures experienced in managing major organisations, including outside sport. The aim is to develop proposals that restore trust, improve transparency and protect FIFA’s independence and commitment to the highest standards of conduct.

UEFA, Asian and CONCACAF associations have also issued an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust within football and placing himself above the game. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said he will not stand against him.

Infantino retains support from CAF, CONMEBOL and Oceania, apart from New Zealand. The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abou Rida, was among seven associations to issue a joint statement backing him.