The French Football Federation has unanimously decided to withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 elections, citing concerns over governance and transparency.

The Executive Committee of the French Football Federation (FFF), convened this Thursday at the request of its President Philippe Diallo, unanimously resolved to withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino in view of the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.

Although the French institution had initially endorsed the current President at the end of June, the French leadership indicated that the conditions of representativeness were broken.

RELATED: UEFA Rejects FIFA’s Plan to Privatize World Cup’s Management

The trigger for this stance responds to the project led by the FIFA leadership to privatize a percentage of the commercial rights of the World Cup through the opening of capital to external investors.

The French Football Federation (FFF) – a founding member of FIFA- underscored that a project of such magnitude over the heritage of world football required a transparent, consultative, and informed process. Although the coordinated action of UEFA and affiliated institutions temporarily halted this commercial initiative, the French federation emphasized that the discussion on ethics and institutional integrity in sport remains relevant.

In this context, the FFF announced the start of consultation days with specialists in sports governance and the international public sphere. The central purpose is to build a collective proposal that restores confidence, strengthens accountability, and ensures a model where solidarity prevails over commercialization.

The decision by the FFF comes at a critical juncture for FIFA, as the organization faces increasing scrutiny over its governance practices.

Gianni Infantino, who has been at the helm of FIFA since 2016, has faced numerous controversies during his tenure. These include allegations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency in decision-making processes.

Other football federations and international organizations have also expressed concerns about FIFA’s governance. The UEFA, for instance, has been vocal about the need for greater transparency and accountability within FIFA. The coordinated efforts of these organizations have put Infantino and his administration under intense scrutiny.

The FFF’s initiative to consult with specialists in sports governance and the international public sphere is a significant step towards promoting democratic reform in global football. By involving experts in the process, the FFF aims to ensure that any proposed reforms are well-informed and effective. This approach is expected to build a collective proposal that addresses the concerns of the global football community.

As the 2027 elections approach, the French initiative sets a precedent for other federations to follow and underscores the importance of promoting democratic reform in global football, while the pressure on Infantino and his administration to address long-standing concerns about transparency and accountability increases.

IN THIS ARTICLE