France Withdraws Backing for Infantino’s FIFA Presidency

France has withdrawn its support for bid by Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the decision on Thursday. It follows similar moves by England, Italy, Ireland and Scotland.

The decision reflects growing concerns over Infantino’s leadership and FIFA’s handling of major commercial proposals.

Infantino had proposed selling stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

The plan drew strong opposition across European football and prompted UEFA to threaten a boycott of FIFA competitions.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have also called for Infantino to leave office.

However, the FIFA president still enjoys support from South America’s Conmebol and Africa’s Confederation of African Football (CAF).

FIFA has confirmed that Infantino will contest the presidential election in March. A victory would give him a fourth term.

FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation could not support the manner in which the investment proposal emerged.

Diallo said FIFA should have subjected such a major decision to wider consultation and greater transparency.

“A project with such a significant impact on the future of football could not be envisaged without comprehensive information,” he said.

He added that FIFA’s governance currently falls short of the standards expected in football.

Infantino later abandoned the investment proposal, but the French federation said the wider governance concerns remained unresolved.

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

The federation plans to consult football confederations, national associations, players and supporters.

It will also engage governance experts as part of efforts to develop proposals for broad reforms within FIFA.

The FFF said the consultations would seek to restore confidence and improve transparency in the organisation.

It also wants stronger safeguards for the independence and integrity of world football’s governing body.

France, a founding member of FIFA, said it would contribute to the debate over the future direction and regulation of international football.

The latest position adds to mounting pressure on Infantino ahead of the March presidential election.