Key Takeaways:
- On Thursday, the French Football Federation (FFF) withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino’s Fifa presidency following controversy over his investment proposal
- The FFF has announced plans to consult with confederations, national associations, players, supporters, and governance experts to pursue significant reforms in Fifa’s governance
- Despite abandoning the investment plan, Infantino will stand for a fourth term in the Fifa presidential election scheduled for March
France Joins Growing Opposition to Infantino’s Leadership
The French Football Federation (FFF) has taken an assertive stance against Fifa president Gianni Infantino by retracting its previously pledged support for his leadership. This decision, made public on Thursday, places France alongside England, Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Scotland, all of whom have distanced themselves following Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
The FFF’s move comes despite earlier backing for Infantino in June, prior to the revelation of his controversial investment intentions.
🚨 The French Football Federation has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino and called for “fundamental reform of FIFA's governance”. pic.twitter.com/7ZC26oAGVb
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 10, 2026
Controversy Over Investment Proposal Triggers Calls for Change
Infantino’s endeavour to involve private capital in the organisation’s most prestigious events provoked a strong international backlash. Uefa, Fifa’s European governing counterpart, even considered boycotting all Fifa tournaments in protest. In addition, Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation, and Concacaf have all publicly called for Infantino’s resignation, though he continues to be supported by South America’s Conmebol and Africa’s CAF.
Despite the withdrawal of the proposal, the FFF maintains that Fifa’s governance concerns have not been fully addressed.
Commitment to Overhaul Fifa’s Governance Structure
FFF president Philippe Diallo stated: “A project with such a significant impact on the future of football could not be envisaged without comprehensive information, in-depth consultation and a fully transparent decision-making process.” He continued: “Fifa’s governance does not live up to the standards that football represents.”
Echoing this sentiment, the FFF emphasised that “Fifa’s governance cannot be considered resolved” and set out its intention to initiate consultations spanning confederations, national associations, players, supporters, and governance specialists.
The stated goal is “to foster collective reflection and to draw up proposals for a far-reaching transformation of Fifa’s governance, with a view to restoring confidence, enhancing transparency and ensuring the independence and exemplary conduct of world football’s governing body,” according to an FFF statement. The FFF highlighted its status as a founding member of Fifa and outlined its intent to contribute meaningfully to this pivotal global debate on football’s future regulation and development.
Infantino’s Tenure Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
Despite these developments, Fifa has confirmed that Gianni Infantino will stand for a fourth term as president in the upcoming elections in March, maintaining a divided global football landscape as calls for widespread reform continue to gain momentum.
