Gibraltar FA withdraws support for Infantino’s 2027 FIFA presidency bid

The Gibraltar Football Association has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain president of FIFA, saying it lacks the financial and political influence to protect its interests and instead depends on strong institutions, clear rules and transparency.

Gibraltar had previously backed Infantino “in good faith and based on the circumstances prevailing at the time”, but has now formally told FIFA that it will no longer support his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement, the Gibraltar Football Association said the proposal for “FIFA Forward Enterprise” had raised concerns about transparency and consultation in FIFA’s decision-making process.

“Previously, the association announced its support for Gianni Infantino as FIFA president in good faith and based on the circumstances prevailing at the time,” the statement said.

“The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal raised questions about transparency and consultation in the decision-making process. Our concerns were heightened by the departure of Kevin Lamour.”

FIFA dismissed Lamour, its executive chief operating officer, after he criticised Infantino.

The Gibraltar association said those developments had led to its change of position.

“Accordingly, the Gibraltar FA’s decision is that it can no longer continue to support Infantino’s candidacy for the 2027 FIFA presidential election, and FIFA has been formally informed of this decision,” it added.

Gibraltar, one of the smallest football associations in the world, said its limited influence made the protection provided by effective governance particularly important.

“Gibraltar is one of the smallest associations in the world. We do not have financial or political influence, and our protection lies in strong institutions, clear rules, transparency and consultation in decision-making,” the statement said.

The association acknowledged that smaller members are often expected not to speak publicly on sensitive issues, but said it did not believe silence was appropriate in this case.

“Small associations are always expected to remain silent on matters such as these, but we do not believe that would be appropriate for us,” it said.

Gibraltar also stressed that its decision did not amount to an endorsement of any rival candidate.

“This decision should not be interpreted as support for an alternative candidate. We have not endorsed any other candidate and will assess all candidates and their programmes,” the statement concluded.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in March 2027, with Infantino facing growing divisions within world football over his leadership.

Federations from UEFA, Asia and Concacaf have issued an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking the trust of the football community and placing himself above the game.

The escalation followed an attempt to sell commercial stakes linked to the World Cup. Those federations said the move had been pursued at speed and without sufficient consultation, in a way that avoided proper debate.

Infantino has also received public backing. The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abu Rida, joined six other associations in a joint statement supporting the FIFA president.

He continues to have the backing of the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and the Oceania Football Confederation, with New Zealand the exception in Oceania.