The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has become the first national football federation to publicly withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term in office, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership following the controversial proposal to sell private investment stakes in the FIFA World Cup.

The decision marks a significant setback for Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, in March 2027, where he is expected to seek re-election for the 2027 to 2031 term. Blueprint reports

The Welsh federation announced its position on Monday, days after Infantino abandoned the proposed World Cup investment plan following widespread opposition from football stakeholders across the globe.

Governance concerns behind decision

In a strongly worded statement, the FAW said the decision was driven by what it described as failures in governance, leadership and stakeholder engagement under Infantino’s administration.

“The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA president for the 2027–2031 term,” the statement read.

According to the association, the controversy surrounding the proposed commercialisation of the World Cup exposed deeper concerns about FIFA’s decision-making process.

“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.”

World Cup investment proposal sparks backlash

The latest development follows FIFA’s controversial proposal to allow private investors to acquire financial stakes linked to the commercial revenues generated by the FIFA World Cup.

The proposal immediately triggered criticism from football associations, supporters, administrators and governance experts, many of whom argued that the tournament should remain under the full control of world football’s governing body rather than private investment interests.

Critics warned that opening the World Cup to private investors could undermine the integrity, transparency and long-term sustainability of football’s most prestigious tournament.

Facing mounting opposition from across the football world, Infantino last week announced that FIFA was shelving the proposal.

Although the decision temporarily eased tensions, it failed to restore confidence among some member associations, with Wales becoming the first federation to formally withdraw its backing for his re-election.

Potential implications for FIFA election

The FAW’s announcement is expected to intensify debate ahead of next year’s FIFA Congress in Rabat.

While Wales represents one of FIFA’s 211 member associations, its decision could encourage other national federations dissatisfied with FIFA’s recent governance direction to publicly reassess their support for Infantino.

Political analysts within football governance believe the move could embolden critics who have expressed concerns over transparency, accountability and consultation in FIFA’s decision-making processes.

Whether additional associations follow Wales’ lead in the coming months remains to be seen.

Infantino’s presidency under scrutiny

Infantino was first elected FIFA president in February 2016 following the departure of Sepp Blatter amid corruption scandals that engulfed world football’s governing body.

Since taking office, he has overseen several major reforms, including the expansion of the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2026 edition, the enlargement of the FIFA Club World Cup and increased investment in football development programmes across member associations.

However, his administration has also attracted criticism over governance issues, commercial decisions and the growing centralisation of authority within FIFA.

The abandoned World Cup investment proposal has become one of the most contentious issues of his presidency, prompting renewed calls for broader consultation before implementing major policy changes affecting the global game.

Attention shifts to Rabat election

With the FIFA presidential election less than a year away, attention is now expected to focus on whether Infantino can retain the confidence of member associations despite the latest controversy.

Although no major challenger has formally declared an intention to contest the presidency, observers believe the Welsh FA’s decision could influence discussions within continental confederations ahead of the vote.

The election, scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, will determine who leads world football through the next four-year cycle.

For now, Wales has sent the clearest signal yet that confidence in Infantino’s leadership can no longer be taken for granted, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched FIFA presidential elections in recent history.