The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its endorsement of Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding another hurdle to the governing body’s current leader in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
The FAI have previously endorsed Infantino, but their change of mind followed concerns over FIFA’s governance and transparency, and the association has stated that its board reached a decision to retract its letter of support and had informed FIFA of its decision, saying that “Recent events have caused significant concern over governance, transparency and lack of proper consultation”.
The decision comes after a leaked open letter from UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, stating they no longer trusted Infantino due to perceived deception.
This issue is part of a controversy surrounding the abandoned sale of shares in FIFA’s commercial operations to private investors, after widespread condemnation from football organizations and the Welsh FA and English FA withdrawing their support, making the FAI the latest home nation association to take such a decision.
The Irish FA has stopped short of withdrawing support but is in support of UEFA’s position. The latest developments pose a threat to Infantino as he seeks another term as FIFA president.
