The French Football Federation (FFF) has formally withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA President. The decision, adopted unanimously by its Executive Committee, reverses France’s previous position and brings criticism of the organisation’s management into the electoral arena, months before the 2027 vote.
The French federation links its decision to concerns over FIFA’s management and transparency, including those surrounding the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project. The withdrawal of support turns those objections into an official position held by one of the most influential national associations in world football.
A change of position before the candidacy deadline
The timing adds significance to France’s move. The deadline for submitting candidacies is 18 November 2026, with the election scheduled for 18 March 2027. Infantino has already confirmed his intention to seek another term, meaning the FFF’s decision comes while the opportunity for other candidates to enter the race remains open.
France has thus moved from questioning FIFA’s leadership to withdrawing its electoral support. This is a concrete step, although its electoral impact will depend on the decisions taken by other associations and the candidates who ultimately stand. The French position alone does not establish the existence of a coordinated bloc against the current president.
How other associations respond
The decision comes amid growing pressure from various European football stakeholders over FIFA’s regulatory and commercial roles. As the vote approaches, relationships between the organisation’s leadership, confederations and national associations will become increasingly important in determining support for each candidate.
The next steps will show whether France’s withdrawal remains a national decision or is followed by other associations. It also remains to be seen whether disagreements with Infantino translate into an alternative candidacy capable of gathering support. For now, the confirmed change is France’s: its backing for his re-election has ended.
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