The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain president of FIFA, in a major setback for the football governing body’s chief.
FFF president Philippe Diallo said Thursday that the federation’s executive committee had made the decision unanimously, saying trust in Infantino’s leadership had been lost.
France had backed Infantino’s re-election earlier this year when he was the only declared candidate. But the federation changed its position after growing concerns over FIFA’s leadership and decision-making.
The dispute intensified after Infantino’s plan to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors faced strong opposition from football’s regional confederations. The proposal was later abandoned.
Diallo said the plan had raised concerns because it was developed without what he described as proper consultation with national federations. He said France now wanted changes in the way world football is governed and a strong alternative candidate for the 2027 election.
France’s decision follows similar moves by England and Italy, while UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have also called for changes at the top of FIFA.
However, Infantino still has important support outside Europe, including from Africa’s CAF and South America’s CONMEBOL.
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates have until November 18, 2026, to submit their bids.
