The Football Association of Wales has withdrawn support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA re-election bid, citing governance failures after his abandoned World Cup investment proposal.

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, citing concerns over governance and leadership following his abandoned proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup.

The decision, announced on Monday, comes days after Infantino shelved the controversial investment plan following widespread criticism from football stakeholders across the globe.

FAW Cites Governance and Leadership Failures

In a statement, the Welsh football governing body said it no longer had confidence in Infantino’s leadership ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.

“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 2027–2031 term,” the FAW said.

The association said recent events had exposed shortcomings in governance, decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

“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.”

It added:

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

World Cup Investment Proposal Triggered Backlash

Infantino’s proposed plan to sell investment stakes linked to the FIFA World Cup drew sharp criticism from football associations and stakeholders, who questioned both the governance process and the potential commercial implications for the sport.

Facing mounting opposition, the FIFA president announced last week that the proposal would not proceed.

Although the plan has been abandoned, Wales said the episode had fundamentally undermined its confidence in Infantino’s leadership, making it impossible to continue supporting his bid for another term.

Attention Turns to 2027 FIFA Election

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in Rabat next March, where Infantino is expected to seek another four-year term.

The FAW’s decision marks the first public withdrawal of support by a member association and could increase scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership as the election approaches.