Wales becomes first nation to withdraw support for Infantino's FIFA re-election

Football Association of Wales confirmed it has formally withdrawn support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid for the 2027–2031 term as FIFA president. The decision marks the first public withdrawal of backing by a national association ahead of the 2027 elections.

Loss of confidence cited in official statement

In an official statement, the Welsh body attributed its move to “a loss of confidence” in Infantino following repeated failures in governance, leadership, stakeholder relations, communication, and sound judgement. It stated that “not putting the interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

Triggered by scrapped private investment plan

The decision follows a crisis ignited when Infantino abandoned plans to sell stakes in FIFA’s tournaments to private investment firms. That proposal had drawn unprecedented global condemnation and precipitated a severe diplomatic rift within world football.

UEFA and CONCACAF issued joint criticism

After Infantino withdrew the plan, both UEFA and CONCACAF released statements last Saturday condemning FIFA’s leadership. UEFA went further, threatening to boycott all FIFA tournaments—including the World Cup—a stance described as the most escalatory in the history of relations between the two bodies.

Historic break from a UEFA member

Wales’ action represents the first formal rebuke from a European nation and UEFA member. As such, it carries symbolic weight and may encourage other associations to reconsider their positions in the months leading up to the 2027 vote.

Infantino assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016. While he has faced growing criticism over unilateral decision-making and management style, this is the first instance of a national association publicly revoking its endorsement of his continued leadership.