European football federations began withdrawing support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino on August 3, 2026, following a failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. The Football Association of Wales was the first to officially retract its backing, followed by Serbia and Sweden, as pressure mounts for Infantino to resign before March 2027 elections.
The collapse of the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme has triggered a coordinated effort across Europe to remove Gianni Infantino from office. The English Football Association is expected to withdraw its support, adding to a growing list of nations that no longer endorse his bid for a fourth term.
The Football Association of Wales and European Defections
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) became the first national federation to formally pull its support for Infantino’s re-election for the 2027–2031 term. The move followed a lead taken by Finland the previous week. The FAW cited a total breakdown in trust, stating that the president had lost the confidence of the association to lead world football.
“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.”
The Football Association of Wales
Serbia and Sweden followed the Welsh lead on Monday. The Football Association of Serbia described the withdrawal as the only logical and rational step after events that damaged the reputation of both FIFA and its president.
Sweden’s federation confirmed its opposition. The Swedish Football Association had been one of five European FAs that did not initially write letters of support, and it issued a statement confirming it would oppose his candidature in the election in March.
The Role of the English FA and UEFA
The English Football Association is set to write to Fifa confirming it no longer endorses Infantino for a fourth term in charge. This action marks a shift for the FA, which had previously fallen into line behind Infantino. The FA is preparing to send a letter to withdraw a previous letter of support, a move described as a sign of the coordinated approach Europe is taking to remove the president from office as quickly as possible.
The FA has called for a full and robust review
into Infantino’s leadership.
At the organizational level, UEFA has threatened legal action against FIFA over the World Cup sell-off plan. In a letter addressed to Infantino dated Friday July 31, the European governing body stated it was actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints
regarding the scrapped plan. UEFA has further warned key members of the FIFA administration not to destroy any evidence that may be required during potential litigation proceedings.
The World Cup Privatization Bid
The catalyst for the loss of confidence was Infantino’s attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The proposal aimed to unlock up to $4.2 billion by selling a roughly 20 per cent stake in a new entity overseeing competitions. This plan, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), faced fierce resistance from stakeholders and was rejected by three confederations.
Despite this retreat, his reign remains under intense scrutiny. Infantino is still scheduled to helm an extraordinary Fifa congress confirming the United Kingdom’s hosting of the 2035 Women’s World Cup in November if he is still in position.
