France withdraws support for Infantino as FIFA president

Fifa president Gianni Infantino Photo: GETTY IMAGES

France has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s presidency of FIFA, becoming the latest major European football nation to distance itself from the world governing body’s leader.

The French Football Federation announced the decision on Thursday, following similar moves by England, Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

The decision follows Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The plan triggered widespread criticism and led UEFA to threaten a boycott of FIFA competitions.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have also called for Infantino to step down, although he continues to receive backing from South America’s Conmebol and Africa’s CAF.

FIFA has confirmed that Infantino will seek a fourth term in office at the presidential election in March.

FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation could not support the way the proposal was handled.

“A project with such a significant impact on the future of football could not be envisaged without comprehensive information, in-depth consultation and a fully transparent decision-making process.

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“FIFA’s governance does not live up to the standards that football represents,” Diallo said.

Although Infantino abandoned the investment proposal, the FFF said concerns over FIFA’s governance remained unresolved.

“FIFA’s governance cannot be considered resolved,” the federation said.

The FFF plans to consult confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts as it seeks proposals for wide-ranging reforms.

“The aim of these consultations will be to foster collective reflection and to draw up proposals for a far-reaching transformation of FIFA’s governance, with a view to restoring confidence, enhancing transparency and ensuring the independence and exemplary conduct of world football’s governing body,” the federation said.

The FFF, a founding member of FIFA, said it intends to contribute to what it considers an important debate over the future direction and regulation of world football.