English FA to join Wales by withdrawing support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA re-election

The FA are set to withdraw their support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA re-election bid, talkSPORT understands.

Infantino’s hopes of securing a final term through to 2031 are in doubt after his failed plot to launch the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Getty

The FIFA president is now losing support for his re-election campaign, with the FA set to join the Welsh FA in withdrawing their backing.

talkSPORT understands the FA will send a letter making it clear it no longer supports Infantino.

It comes after UEFA called for a blanket withdrawal of support from their member nations.

Wales have since confirmed their stance in an official statement.

Welsh FA statement

They explained: “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 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.

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

Uncertain future

Infantino has been FIFA president for over a decade, having been elected in February 2016.

He was re-elected for a second term in 2019 after running unopposed.

The 56-year-old had looked set to land a third and final term once again prior to the doomed FFE launch.

AFP

Widespread condemnation to his plans to sell private equity in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, saw him back down from the proposal.

The scrapping of the plans came after UEFA nations had unanimously voted in favour of boycotting FIFA competitions if they progressed.

His senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro has since stepped down from his role.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is now emerging as a serious contender to rival Infantino in the FIFA presidential election.

‘Dead man staggering’

Former FA chairman David Bernstein believes there is now enough opposition to Infantino to oust him as president.

Speaking to Jeff Stelling and Andy Townsend on talkSPORT Breakfast, he was asked if the feeling against him is enough to get rid of Infantino.

Getty

Bernstein explained: “I think so. I think he’s sort of a dead man, I was going to say a man staggering as opposed to walking.

“But I think I was very delighted that UEFA took such a tough stand and put up a red line.

“They would not participate (in the World Cup) unless this proposal was withdrawn.

“I think they should extend that and say they would not play in the World Cup if Infantino continues as president.

“I think one is so close to the other that I think to continue that threat is a good thing.

“Also, I think that the English FA, who I think have handled it pretty well so far, should be taking a lead on this.

Getty

“I’m a little disappointed that Wales came out before we did. We’re by far the largest, most prestigious FA in the UK and I think we should be taking a lead.

“But I think UEFA should keep the pressure, maximum pressure on now and the same criteria really applies about the World Cup, whether it’s the proposal being withdrawn or Infantino going.”

talkSPORT verdict

Stelling has warned it will not be easy to remove Infantino from his post, even if another candidate runs in the presidential election.

The talkSPORT co-host admitted: “My issue is, he’s in a minority of one at the moment, I’m not sure he is because we haven’t seen the African federation, for example, come out against him as yet.

“I’ve got this feeling he won’t be forced to resign because he’s shown his vanity.

“He’s shown his astonishing lack of self-awareness. It’s absolutely beyond belief that I think he will be so difficult to prise out of his position.”

This is a developing story and is being updated.

For the latest updates, breaking news alerts, and comprehensive analysis, refresh this page or follow our real-time news coverage by watching and listening to talkSPORT live.

For broader context, explore related coverage on our homepage for the top trending stories. For the latest talkSPORT videos, download the app.

talkSPORT cares about getting it right, not just getting it first and because this is a developing situation, details will change. We will be updating this page constantly with verified info, expert takes, and official statements.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to break.