Infantino’s FIFA presidency under pressure as Irish FA withdraws support

The Irish Football Association (IFA) has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding to growing opposition against the Swiss-Italian administrator ahead of his bid for a fourth term.

Northern Ireland’s football governing body became the latest national association to call for change at the top of world football following controversy surrounding Infantino’s aborted plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial operations to a private investment company.

The IFA had previously backed UEFA’s opposition to the proposal without formally withdrawing its support for Infantino. It has now taken the further step of calling for a change in FIFA leadership.

In a statement, the IFA said the proposal to sell part of FIFA’s assets without consultation raised fundamental questions about the organisation’s governance and stewardship.

Read Also: FIFA: Norway’s football federation calls for Gianni Infantino’s immediate resignation

“The Irish FA has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino,” the association said.

“The proposal to sell part of FIFA’s assets to a private equity firm without consultation represents more than a failure of communication. In our view, it raises fundamental questions about strategy, governance and stewardship of our assets.

“We believe the time has come for change.”

Growing opposition to Infantino

Infantino has faced criticism since plans emerged to sell a 21 per cent stake in FIFA’s commercial operations to private investors.

The proposal, which was later scrapped following widespread opposition, triggered an unusually strong response from football’s governing bodies, with UEFA even threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions.

The latest development further weakens Infantino’s position as he prepares to seek another four-year term as FIFA president.

The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have already publicly withdrawn their support for the 56-year-old.

The IFA’s decision means opposition to Infantino is now growing among several of the associations within the British Isles, further increasing pressure on the FIFA president ahead of next year’s election.

What it means for Infantino’s presidency

Infantino is scheduled to stand for a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027. If re-elected, he would remain in office until 2031, extending his tenure to 15 years.

Although Infantino continues to retain significant support across global football, the growing number of associations withdrawing their backing presents a major political challenge.

The controversy over FIFA’s commercial strategy has also raised broader questions about transparency, consultation and governance within the organisation.

The IFA’s decision is therefore more than a symbolic withdrawal of support. It adds another vote of no confidence to a growing list of national associations questioning Infantino’s leadership and could increase pressure for a change at the top of FIFA.

With the presidential election approaching, the challenge for Infantino will be to rebuild trust among member associations while defending his record and securing enough support to extend his presidency beyond 2027.