English FA changes position on Infantino as FIFA election support weakens

The English Football Association has written to Gianni Infantino to withdraw its support for his re-election as FIFA president, following similar moves by the Football Association of Wales and the Football Association of Serbia.

The decision comes after the FA backed a UEFA statement calling for a full review of confidence in Infantino’s leadership. UEFA’s concerns followed his attempt to sell a 21% stake in FIFA’s commercial operations and special events to an investment fund owned by Joshua Kushner for $4.2bn (£3.1bn).

In a statement issued on Saturday, the FA said: “The time has come for a thorough and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance, to ensure the global game is managed transparently and in the interests of all 211 member associations, with the long-term stewardship of the game at the heart of its objectives.”

Infantino dramatically abandoned the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises project last Friday after widespread opposition within football. Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, was among those to criticise the plan, telling the Associated Press: “It’s a one-man project.”

The cancellation has not ended the pressure on Infantino, who announced at FIFA’s annual congress in April that he intended to seek what would be his final term in office.

The Football Association of Wales was one of the first of FIFA’s 211 member associations to formally withdraw its backing for his re-election next year. The Football Association of Serbia also confirmed on Monday that it had changed its position.

The Serbian FA said in a statement: “We would like to remind you that we gave Mr Infantino written support on 25 May this year, but after a careful examination of events that have severely damaged the reputation of FIFA and its president in the recent period, this is the only logical and rational step.”

The Swiss Football Association, representing the country where Infantino was born, said it had originally sent its letter of support before widely discussed events surrounding the World Cup.

“We wrote a letter of support before the events that were widely discussed during the World Cup, which we also found concerning,” it said. “As a result, further discussions are currently taking place internally and externally with other associations.”

It added: “Naturally, the events of last week are being taken into account in these discussions. In addition, we are seeking another personal exchange of views with the FIFA president and will continue to review developments surrounding FIFA until the election scheduled for 18 March 2027.”

Other European associations are expected to consider following the English and Welsh FAs, in coordination with UEFA. European football’s governing body had previously said its members would boycott the World Cup if the FIFA Forward Enterprises plans were not abandoned.

UEFA has also threatened legal action against FIFA over the now-cancelled proposal. A law firm acting on UEFA’s behalf sent separate letters to FIFA and Joshua Kushner on 31 July, asking them not to destroy any documents connected with the plans.

Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

The Athletic reported last week that the overwhelming majority of CONCACAF’s members either no longer trust Infantino or are losing confidence in him.

Before the controversy over FIFA Forward Enterprises, Infantino appeared to have strong control over the global game. He posted on Instagram that he had received commitments of support from more than 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations for his re-election in 2027.

The 56-year-old had been expected to face no opposition for the 2027-31 term, as was the case in 2019 and 2023. However, CONCACAF president and current FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani is seriously considering challenging Infantino for the presidency.

The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations for the March election is 18 November.