The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to secure a fourth term as FIFA president in next year’s election.
The FFF announced the decision on Thursday, joining England, Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland in distancing themselves from Infantino following his controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
The French federation had backed Infantino in June, before details of the investment proposal emerged.
The plan triggered widespread opposition, with UEFA reportedly threatening to boycott FIFA competitions. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have also called for Infantino to step down, although he continues to enjoy the support of South America’s Conmebol and Africa’s CAF.
FIFA has confirmed that Infantino will contest the presidential election scheduled for March.
FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation could not continue supporting Infantino without greater transparency and consultation over major decisions affecting the future of football.
“A project with such a significant impact on the future of football could not be envisaged without comprehensive information, in-depth consultation and a fully transparent decision-making process,” Diallo said.
He added that “FIFA’s governance does not live up to the standards that football represents.”
Although Infantino has abandoned the investment proposal, the FFF said concerns over FIFA’s governance had not been resolved.
The French federation said it would begin consultations with confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts as part of efforts to reform FIFA.
According to the FFF, the consultations will focus on restoring confidence, improving transparency and strengthening the independence and accountability of football’s global governing body.
The federation, which described itself as a founding member of FIFA, said it intends to contribute to what it considers a crucial debate over the future regulation and development of world football.
