Wales Becomes First Nation to Withdraw Support for Gianni Infantino Ahead of FIFA 2027 Election
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The race for FIFA's 2027 presidential election has taken a significant turn after the Football Association of Wales became the first national federation to publicly withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president.
In an official statement, the Welsh FA announced that it would no longer back Infantino's candidacy for the 2027–2031 term, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership and governance of world football.
The decision follows growing controversy surrounding Infantino's now-abandoned proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms. The plan sparked widespread criticism across the football community before it was ultimately withdrawn.
The proposal also fueled tensions between FIFA and UEFA, with Europe's governing body warning that it could boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, in what became one of the most serious disputes between the two organizations.
Although Infantino later reversed the proposal, criticism continued. UEFA and Concacaf each released statements last Saturday expressing strong concerns about FIFA's leadership despite the decision to abandon the plan.
In its statement, the Football Association of Wales said:
"The recent failures in good governance, process, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communication and proper oversight have brought us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of the Football Association of Wales to continue leading world football."
The Welsh FA further added:
"Failing to put the interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept."
According to the association, the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of FIFA's leadership and its priorities in managing the global game.
The move is widely viewed as a potentially significant development ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, particularly because it comes from a UEFA member association. Observers believe it could encourage other national federations to reassess their support in the months ahead.
Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, has faced increasing scrutiny over his leadership style and decision-making in recent years. However, Wales' public withdrawal of support marks the first official break by a national football association ahead of the next FIFA election.
