France wants to transform Fifa after withdrawing Infantino support
September 10, 2026 13:04
The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its endorsement of Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency, citing concerns after his halted proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions. The decision, announced on Thursday, follows similar moves by the associations of England, Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
The FFF had publicly backed Infantino in June but says the investment plan — which included proposals affecting the World Cup — was revealed later and provoked widespread criticism. Although Infantino abandoned the scheme, the FFF judged that FIFA’s governance remains insufficient and has called for reform.
KEY CONTEXT
- Infantino’s investment proposal triggered a strong international reaction, with UEFA warning it could boycott FIFA competitions in response.
- UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have urged Infantino to resign, while CONMEBOL and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) continue to support him.
- FIFA has confirmed Infantino will seek a fourth term in the presidential election set for March.
- The FFF is a founding member of FIFA and had initially pledged support for Infantino before the investment plan emerged.
WHY IT MATTERS
The FFF’s withdrawal adds a major European voice to growing institutional concern about how FIFA is governed. By proposing a formal programme of consultations — with confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts — the FFF is aiming to shape a debate about transparency, independence and ethical conduct at the sport’s governing body. Those issues are central to trust in FIFA’s decision-making and to how future commercial proposals might be handled.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The FFF has said it will begin consultations across football stakeholders to develop proposals for substantial governance reform.
- FIFA’s presidential election in March, in which Infantino will stand for re-election, remains a key upcoming milestone.
- It is not yet known whether the FFF-led consultations will produce agreed reforms or influence positions of other associations before the March vote.
KEY FACTS
- The FFF withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino on Thursday after his plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions was revealed and later dropped.
- The FFF had supported Infantino in June prior to the investment proposal becoming public.
- UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have called for Infantino to step down; CONMEBOL and CAF still back him.
- FIFA has confirmed Infantino will run for a fourth term in the March presidential election.
- The FFF plans to consult confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts about reforming FIFA.