England Withdraws Support for Infantino as Opposition Grows

Pressure continues to build for FIFA president Gianni Infantino as national federations are coming forward to support and oppose his leadership.

Infantino is currently set to run unopposed for reelection as FIFA president in the spring, and gained endorsements from several continental bodies and individual FIFA member associations before last week’s disastrous proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup.

FIFA announced the idea to commercialize its business by taking money from outside investors on July 27. After days of mounting opposition—including UEFA saying it would boycott all FIFA tournaments and two top FIFA execs condemning the plan—Infantino dropped the effort on July 31.

On Monday, Wales became the first federation to withdraw its support of Infantino’s candidacy for another term as FIFA president. Serbia’s association followed suit later in the day, calling it the “only logical and rational move.” England’s Football Association is also set to write a letter withdrawing support, according to multiple reports.

But while the European response to FFE was unanimous among the 55 member associations, not all countries have immediately come out against Infantino.