The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president, adding to growing opposition from European football associations ahead of the March 2027 vote.
The FFF’s executive committee unanimously approved the decision following a meeting in Paris. FFF president Philippe Diallo said the conditions under which France had backed Infantino were no longer in place and that the decision reflected a broader position within UEFA.
France had supported Infantino in June, when he was the only declared candidate for the 2027 election. However, the federation changed its position after Infantino proposed selling stakes in a company that would manage the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
Commercial rights plan triggered FIFA split
The proposed sale of stakes in the commercial-rights vehicle became a major source of tension between FIFA and several of its continental confederations.
Infantino ultimately abandoned the plan after three confederations opposed it, while UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal went ahead.
The FFF criticised the lack of consultation with national associations and raised concerns over FIFA’s governance and decision-making processes.
Commercial rights are central to FIFA’s financial model. The governing body generated $7.57bn during the 2019-2022 cycle, with the majority coming from World Cup broadcasting and marketing rights. FIFA had budgeted for up to $13bn in revenue across the 2023-2026 cycle, driven in part by the expanded 48-team World Cup hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA’s commercial portfolio includes global brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, Hyundai-Kia and Visa.
Around 10 European associations have withdrawn backing
France’s decision adds further pressure on Infantino from Europe. England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy had already withdrawn their support.
Around 10 European associations have now dropped their backing for Infantino, with further federations expected to follow in the coming weeks.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have called for Infantino to step down and are seeking an alternative candidate ahead of the election. Infantino continues to have the backing of South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF.
FFF calls for FIFA governance reform
The FFF said FIFA’s governance issues had not been resolved despite the withdrawal of the commercial-rights proposal.
France plans to launch consultations with confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts to develop proposals for what it described as a far-reaching reform of FIFA’s governance.
The federation wants the process to address transparency, independence and confidence in football’s global governing body.
Diallo said France had a particular responsibility to contribute to the debate as one of FIFA’s founding members and a leading nation in the world rankings.
FIFA election set for March 2027
FIFA’s 211 member associations will elect the president on 18 March 2027 at a congress in Rabat, Morocco, with each association holding one vote.
The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations is 18 November 2026.
Infantino remains the only declared candidate, and FIFA has confirmed that his intention to seek a fourth term has not changed despite the growing opposition.
UEFA has pledged to present a “credible” alternative candidate to member associations.
France’s withdrawal therefore represents more than a change in electoral backing. It highlights a wider dispute over FIFA’s governance, the control of its most valuable commercial rights and the future balance of power between FIFA, the confederations and national associations.