English FA to withdraw support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino
The governing body will send a letter following UEFA’s call for a full review of FIFA leadership and governance
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Only one named source (English FA spokesperson) with no direct document or independent corroboration.
Higher is stronger
No affected parties or opponents quoted; vague claims about 'many members'.
Higher is stronger
Headline overstates 'crisis' with no direct evidence of FA withdrawal in article.
Lower is better
The English Football Association will formally withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president. A letter confirming the decision will be sent in the coming days, as reported by *The Standard*. The move follows Infantino’s attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, a proposal that was abandoned after widespread opposition.
UEFA leads calls for accountability
AREV Saint-Tropez opens as largest-pool hotel in the town
Spanish designer Luis Bustamante reimagines former Lou Troupelan site with red, white and blue palette and 35 rooms
UEFA, European football’s governing body, released a statement on 14 July 2024 demanding accountability for the failed proposal. The statement said, "We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast-track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game." UEFA confirmed it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership and called for a thorough review of FIFA’s governance.
The English FA responded through a spokesperson, saying, "We fully support UEFA’s position. It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations." The statement did not specify a timeline for the review but emphasised the need for long-term stewardship of football.
Wales withdraws support first
Oil prices fall as Donald Trump signals Iran peace deal
Brent crude dropped nearly 6% on Monday following announcements regarding the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz transit route.
The Football Association of Wales became the first national governing body to withdraw its support for Infantino on 15 July 2024. In a statement, the FAW said, "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."
The FAW added that failing to prioritise football’s best interests was unacceptable. The statement did not propose an alternative candidate for the FIFA presidency but called for a change in leadership. Infantino has not publicly responded to the withdrawals of support.
What happens next
UEFA said it would work with its member associations and other confederations to devise a plan preventing similar proposals in the future. The review will consider all options, including leadership changes. The English FA’s letter will formalise its withdrawal of support, but it is unclear whether other national associations will follow.
Infantino’s current term as FIFA president runs until 2027. The next FIFA Congress, where the election would take place, is scheduled for May 2027. No formal process for selecting an alternative candidate has been announced by UEFA or its members.
The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.
UEFA statement, 14 July 2024
Questions this report answers
+Why is the English FA withdrawing support for Gianni Infantino?
The English FA is withdrawing support after Infantino’s failed attempt to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, which drew criticism for lacking transparency. The FA said it supports UEFA’s call for a full review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure the game is run in the interests of all member nations.
+What did UEFA say about Gianni Infantino’s leadership?
UEFA stated it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership following the failed proposal. It called for a thorough review of FIFA’s governance and demanded accountability for those responsible for the plan, which it described as secretive and of dubious benefit to football.
+Has any other football association withdrawn support for Infantino?
Yes, the Football Association of Wales withdrew its support on 15 July 2024. The FAW said Infantino had lost its confidence due to failures in governance, leadership, and judgement, and that prioritising football’s best interests was essential.
+When is the next FIFA presidential election?
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for May 2027 during the FIFA Congress. Infantino’s current term runs until then, but no formal process for selecting an alternative candidate has been announced by UEFA or its member associations.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in World
AREV Saint-Tropez opens as largest-pool hotel in the town
Oil prices fall as Donald Trump signals Iran peace deal
