The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the English Football Association (FA) have withdrawn their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, citing concerns over his leadership following the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

The decision marks a significant setback for Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term as head of world football’s governing body.

The controversy erupted after FIFA proposed the creation of a commercial entity known as FIFA Football Enterprises (FFE), a move that would have allowed private investors to acquire financial stakes in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.

The proposal immediately sparked criticism from UEFA, several national football associations and leading clubs, who argued that the plan lacked transparency and could undermine the long-term interests of the global game.

Faced with mounting opposition, Infantino last Friday abandoned the proposal, admitting defeat after failing to secure the backing of key stakeholders.

FAW withdraws backing

Although the Football Association of Wales had previously indicated it would support Infantino’s re-election campaign before details of the proposal became public, the Welsh governing body announced on Monday that it had changed its position.

In a strongly worded statement, the FAW said recent developments had destroyed its confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

“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 Welsh body added that football’s integrity and the interests of the global game must always come before commercial considerations.

English FA joins criticism

The English Football Association has also confirmed that it has formally informed FIFA that it no longer supports Infantino’s re-election.

According to the Daily Mail, the FA backed UEFA’s position that confidence in the FIFA president had been severely undermined by the handling of the FFE proposal.

The English governing body had earlier declared that it fully supported UEFA’s criticism of the process, insisting that football stakeholders deserved greater consultation and transparency before such major decisions were considered.

The withdrawal of support from two influential British football associations is expected to increase pressure on Infantino as questions continue to be raised over FIFA’s governance and decision-making.

Infantino still targeting fourth term

Infantino has served as FIFA president since February 2016 after succeeding Sepp Blatter, who left office following corruption scandals that rocked world football.

During his tenure, FIFA has expanded the men’s World Cup to 48 teams and introduced several commercial reforms aimed at increasing revenue.

However, the failed World Cup investment proposal has triggered fresh concerns about FIFA’s leadership, governance and relationship with its member associations.

Despite the growing criticism, Infantino is still expected to seek a fourth term as FIFA president, although the withdrawal of support from the English FA and the FAW represents a major political blow ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.