FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suffered a major setback in his bid for another term after the Football Association of Wales withdrew its support.

Wales became the first national football association to publicly withdraw its backing for Infantino’s re-election following the collapse of his controversial World Cup investment proposal.

The FAW said Infantino had lost its confidence because of failures in governance, leadership, communication and judgment.

“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,” it said.

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

Infantino had proposed allowing private investors to acquire a stake in a new FIFA commercial venture linked to competitions including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

The proposal reportedly promised FIFA’s 211 member associations up to $40 million each if it secured their approval.

However, Infantino abandoned the plan following strong opposition from UEFA and other continental football bodies.

The English Football Association is also expected to formally notify FIFA that it no longer supports Infantino’s re-election.

The FA had earlier backed UEFA’s position that the FIFA president had lost the confidence of European football authorities.

CONCACAF also demanded a review of Infantino’s leadership, while the Asian Football Confederation called for greater transparency.

Infantino is seeking re-election for the 2027–2031 term at the FIFA congress scheduled to hold in Rabat, Morocco, in March 2027.