FIFA row: Wales withdraws support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election next year, Sky News reveals – Sky News

Wales has broken ranks with FIFA’s leadership by withdrawing its backing for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as president in 2025, Sky News reports. The move marks the first public defiance from a European football association amid mounting scrutiny of Infantino’s tenure and governance record. The decision, confirmed by a source within the Football Association of Wales (FAW), signals growing unease among member federations over the direction of world football’s governing body.

Why Wales acted now

The FAW’s stance reflects broader frustration with Infantino’s handling of key issues, including the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams and the governance reforms tied to FIFA’s expanded Congress. A senior FAW official told Sky News that the association had reassessed its position after reviewing recent controversies, particularly those surrounding the 2026 World Cup bidding process and the allocation of hosting rights. Wales’ withdrawal of support is not a formal vote against Infantino but removes a previously declared endorsement, weakening his path to re-election. The FAW’s decision was taken following internal consultations with its executive committee, which concluded that the association could no longer justify its prior backing without clearer reforms from FIFA.

The timing coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny for FIFA, as multiple member associations review their allegiances ahead of next year’s presidential vote. While Wales has not publicly detailed its objections, the decision aligns with concerns raised by other federations about transparency and accountability within FIFA’s decision-making structures. The FAW’s move could embolden other associations to reconsider their positions, potentially reshaping the political landscape of FIFA’s leadership race.

What this means for Infantino’s campaign

Infantino, who was first elected in 2016 and re-elected unopposed in 2019, now faces a more contested re-election bid. His campaign has traditionally relied on broad support from African and Asian federations, but the loss of backing from a European nation like Wales introduces a new variable. FIFA’s statutes allow for multiple candidates, and while no challenger has yet emerged, the erosion of Infantino’s coalition increases the likelihood of a competitive race. The FAW’s decision also comes as Infantino faces renewed criticism over FIFA’s financial disclosures, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport recently ruling that the governing body must release more detailed accounts of its spending.

The FAW’s decision also underscores the fragility of Infantino’s authority within UEFA, where several national associations have privately expressed reservations about his leadership. While no major European federation has yet followed Wales’ lead, the FAW’s move could prompt others to reassess their positions, particularly if additional controversies arise before the election. Infantino’s team has not publicly responded to the FAW’s announcement, but the absence of a rebuttal risks amplifying perceptions of division within FIFA’s ranks. A FIFA spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by Sky News.

The road ahead for FIFA and Wales

For Wales, the decision carries symbolic weight but limited immediate consequences, as the FAW’s endorsement was not legally binding. However, the move sends a clear signal to FIFA’s leadership about the growing impatience among member associations. The FAW has not indicated whether it will actively campaign against Infantino or remain neutral in the election, leaving open the possibility of further action if FIFA’s governance issues persist. A FAW spokesperson stated that the association would continue to monitor FIFA’s progress on reform but did not commit to further steps at this stage.

For FIFA, the FAW’s withdrawal of support is a reminder of the political challenges facing Infantino as he seeks a third term. The governing body has faced repeated criticism over its financial management, human rights record, and the integrity of its decision-making processes. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, FIFA’s credibility is under renewed scrutiny, and the FAW’s move adds pressure on Infantino to address concerns about transparency and reform. The next 12 months will determine whether Wales’ decision triggers a broader shift in FIFA’s political dynamics. If other federations follow suit, Infantino could face a more contentious re-election campaign than anticipated. For now, the FAW has taken a stand—but the full impact of its move remains to be seen.