France withdraws support for Infantino in FIFA presidency race

(FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a press conference. Photo by RFI)

French football authorities have declared opposition to Gianni Infantino’s re-election campaign for the FIFA presidency in 2027, marking a significant rift in European support.

The French Football Federation confirmed its alignment with several UEFA members—including Belgium, Italy, and Wales—in withdrawing endorsement for Infantino’s continued leadership.

Federation officials cited eroded confidence in Infantino’s governance, asserting FIFA’s current direction conflicts with their principles of transparency and collective decision-making.

Despite facing backlash over proposed World Cup commercialization strategies (later retracted), the 56-year-old Swiss official recently announced his candidacy for an additional term.

As nomination deadlines approach, no challengers have emerged to contest Infantino’s bid for football’s highest office.