Wales become first nation to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino re-election as FIFA president – days after his plan to sell the World Cup was scuppered

Wales have stuck their head above the parapet and become the first nation to explicitly stand against Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president.

Infantino’s future is under intense scrutiny after his plans to sell a £3.1billion stake in the World Cup to private investors were revealed by The Times. 

Those plans have since been opposed by UEFA, the North, Central America and Caribbean confederation (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), leading Infantino to abandon them.

But as of July, Infantino had reportedly been endorsed by almost all of FIFA’s 211 member associations for re-election. Candidates must be put forward by November 18 and the vote will take place at FIFA’s congress in March. 

‘The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027–2031 term,’ a statement reads. 

‘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. Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.’

More to follow.