The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s upcoming reelection as FIFA president, delivering another significant political blow to the global governing body’s leadership. According to an announcement made by the FFF executive committee under the leadership of federation president Philippe Diallo, the reversal follows a sharp disagreement over controversial commercialization plans.
French Football Federation Reverses Stance on Infantino
Back on June 29, the FFF had formally endorsed the incumbent FIFA leader. However, the executive committee voted during a Thursday meeting to pull that backing entirely. According to FFF president Philippe Diallo, the catalyst for the policy reversal was a set of commercialization proposals pushed by Infantino that would have allowed private investors to purchase shares tied to the FIFA World Cup.
Those plans have since been withdrawn by FIFA, but the damage to international confidence has already rippled across Europe. In an official statement, the French federation stated that the investment proposals directly violated “the fundamental principles of good governance and the values of football.” Diallo confirmed that the governing body concluded Infantino no longer meets the necessary conditions required to earn French backing.
Growing European Boycott Against FIFA Leadership
France joins a lengthening list of European national associations distancing themselves from the FIFA president ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) previously rescinded its support, alongside football federations representing Belgium, Denmark, England, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Wales, and Sweden. Despite mounting opposition from traditional football powerhouses across Europe, FIFA has confirmed that Gianni Infantino intends to press forward and stand as a candidate for another term in office.
As national associations continue to re-evaluate their alliances, the upcoming electoral congress is shaping up to be one of the most contentious leadership contests in modern football administration.
