The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid as FIFA president in 2027, FFF President Philippe Diallo announced on Thursday. The decision was taken unanimously by the federation's executive committee, marking a significant blow to Infantino's leadership.
"The trust placed in the FIFA president has been broken," Diallo told reporters. "The way in which we envisage the running of world football no longer corresponds with the way it is being conducted." Diallo noted that France had initially backed Infantino's candidacy at the end of June when he was the only declared candidate, but subsequent events fundamentally changed the circumstances.
Infantino's failed proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors was abandoned in July following widespread opposition from football's regional confederations. Diallo stated that the proposal emerged without proper consultation or information provided to federations, raising serious questions over FIFA's governance and decision-making.
Several European federations, including England's and Italy's, have withdrawn their backing for Infantino since the collapse of his proposal. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and North America's CONCACAF have called for change at the top of FIFA and are seeking a credible alternative before the March election. Diallo said France's decision formed part of a broader movement within UEFA and beyond, with discussions now focusing on governance reform and finding a candidate capable of defeating Infantino.
"It is not enough simply to criticise if you want things to move forward. You also have to make proposals," Diallo said. He added that UEFA would need to define a platform for the next FIFA leadership cycle and, when the time came, choose a candidate for the election. Infantino still has the support of South America's CONMEBOL and Africa's CAF. The FIFA presidential election will take place in Rabat on March 18, 2027, with the deadline for candidacies on November 18.
Source: www.aljazeera.com