France’s football federation (FFF) withdraws its support for Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027. The move is decided by the FFF executive committee, which votes unanimously, and is announced by FFF president Philippe Diallo. French outlets report that the FFF’s support, previously formalised at the end of June, is now ended.
The FFF links its decision to criticism of Infantino’s approach and impact on football’s image and unity. Diallo says Infantino “seriously damaged” the sport, pointing to “events during the World Cup” and to a proposed “sell-off” or private investment plan for FIFA commercial activities that was later scrapped after backlash. Other reporting also notes the FFF says trust in FIFA leadership has been broken.
Several outlets describe the decision as part of a broader European alignment. The FFF is said to be joining other federations—reported to include Belgium, Italy, Scotland, Sweden, Wales (and sometimes England)—that have also publicly withdrawn support. Some sources add that the FFF may consult former FIFA official Kevin Lamour, reflecting a focus on possible governance reform.
