France’s football federation has unanimously ended its backing for Gianni Infantino’s campaign to remain FIFA president, saying confidence in his leadership has broken down.
Quick facts
- The French Football Federation’s executive committee approved the move on Thursday.
- Philippe Diallo is demanding major changes to FIFA’s governance system.
- The FIFA election will take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.
FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation could no longer support FIFA’s approach to running the global game. He also urged substantial reform of the organisation’s leadership and governance arrangements.
The stance comes after Infantino abandoned a proposal to sell private investors a 20 per cent share in FIFA competitions. A number of football confederations had mounted firm opposition to the plan before it was withdrawn.
France’s move strengthens the growing European resistance to Infantino. England and Italy have also removed their support, while UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have demanded change at FIFA’s highest level.
Infantino is pursuing another term in the election, which is set for March 18, 2027, in Rabat. The mounting criticism could produce a more serious challenge to his position as FIFA president.
