France wants to transform Fifa after withdrawing Infantino support
The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's Fifa presidency, following England, Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland, and is now calling for a wider overhaul of how football's governing body is run. The move comes after Infantino abandoned a controversial plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors, a proposal that triggered widespread criticism and prompted Uefa to threaten boycotting Fifa events.
The FFF, which had backed Infantino in June before the investment plan emerged, said Fifa's governance issues remain unresolved despite the proposal being dropped, and has pledged to consult confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts on reform. Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have called for Infantino to resign, though he retains support from Conmebol and CAF, and Fifa has confirmed he will seek a fourth term in the presidential election next March.
In short
- France withdraws support for Infantino over scrapped private investment plan.
- FFF wants consultations to reform Fifa's governance and transparency.
- Infantino still plans to run for a fourth term in March.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The FFF can argue that withdrawing support is a proportionate response because abandoning the investment proposal does not resolve wider concerns about Fifa’s governance. Consulting associations, players, supporters and experts could help make decisions more accountable and protect trust in the sport.
The case against
Infantino’s supporters can argue that dropping the investment plan shows Fifa has responded to criticism, and that continued backing from Conmebol and CAF indicates he retains confidence across parts of the game. They may see a campaign to remove him before the election as premature, and favour addressing specific governance concerns through consultation and established processes.
Explained simply
Fifa is the international body that sets many of football’s rules and organises the men’s and women’s World Cups. Its president leads the organisation, while national football associations such as France’s FFF represent their countries within it. Regional bodies, including Uefa in Europe, also have influence.
Fifa has faced debate over who should control and benefit from its competitions, which attract large audiences and commercial interest. Changes to the organisation’s leadership or decision-making can affect national associations, players and supporters around the world.
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