The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has become the first national football federation to publicly withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election following the collapse of his proposal to allow private investment in the FIFA World Cup.
The FAW announced its decision on Monday, August 3, 2026, days after Infantino confirmed he was abandoning the controversial plan following widespread criticism from football stakeholders around the world.
In a statement, the Welsh football governing body said it would no longer support Infantino’s candidature for a new term as FIFA president covering 2027 to 2031.
“The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA president for the 2027 to 2031 term,” the statement read.
The association said its decision was based on concerns over governance, leadership and decision making within FIFA.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.
“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,” the statement added.
Infantino announced on Friday, July 31, 2026, that FIFA would no longer pursue the proposed sale of stakes in the World Cup after the plan triggered a global backlash.
The election for FIFA president is scheduled to take place in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.
AFP
