Wales and England withdraw support for Infantino’s re-election bid

By Sanjay Menon — 3 August 2026 — 3 min read

Challenges to Infantino’s Re-election

Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, is facing increasing scrutiny following the withdrawal of support for his re-election bid by national associations. Both the Football Association of Wales and England’s Football Association have indicated their decision to no longer back Infantino for another term. This development comes after controversial plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors were abandoned.

Infantino had initially aimed for a fourth and final term as president, with re-election scheduled for March. To secure his position, he would need to garner 106 votes from Fifa’s 211 members. However, the withdrawal of support from key national associations, coupled with expressions of lost confidence from regional confederations like UEFA and Concacaf, suggests a more challenging path ahead for the incumbent president.

The Welsh FA explicitly stated its withdrawal of support for Infantino’s candidature for the 2027–2031 term. The association cited “failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement” as reasons for their decision, indicating a loss of confidence in his leadership. Fifa has not yet publicly commented on the statement from the Welsh FA.

The abandoned plan to secure up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity overseeing competitions, including the World Cup, met with significant resistance. This initiative, which eventually collapsed, has intensified the focus on Infantino’s leadership and his re-election prospects.

Potential Successors and Influential Figures

Amidst the growing uncertainty surrounding Infantino’s tenure, several individuals are being discussed as potential candidates for Fifa’s top job. These figures hold significant positions within global football governance and could emerge as challengers if Infantino’s position weakens further.

One prominent name is Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Montagliani, who was elected in 2016 on a platform of governance reform, played a crucial role in the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted by three nations. He is known for his political strength, having smoothed relations during discussions about a biennial World Cup and expressing reservations about a 64-team tournament. Montagliani is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Another influential figure is Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the AFC. First elected in 2013, Al Khalifa was re-elected unopposed for a fourth term that extends until 2027. Under his leadership, the Asian confederation has seen considerable growth, including the expansion of the Asian Cup to 24 teams and the launch of the Women’s Champions League in 2024-25. Al Khalifa has been critical of Fifa’s current management under Infantino, and his confederation, comprising 46 members, is aware of the substantial financial figures associated with Infantino’s abandoned investment plan.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of Paris St-Germain, also holds a significant position as chairman of the European Clubs’ Association. He assumed this role after the collapse of the European Super League in 2021. Al-Khelaifi oversaw the expansion of the association to over 800 members, with only Real Madrid among the major clubs remaining outside. While he is considered a serious potential challenger, sources close to the 52-year-old suggest he does not desire the role of Fifa president.

Mattias Grafstrom, appointed Fifa secretary general in May 2024, has become an increasingly influential voice within Fifa. He previously served as Infantino’s chief of staff following his election in 2016. However, his close association with Infantino and the general sentiment that Fifa’s next president should not be European could be factors against him.

The next Fifa president will be confirmed at the organisation’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March. Candidates have until 18 November to formally put forward their names for consideration.

The situation highlights a period of significant change and potential leadership transition within world football’s governing body, with the upcoming congress in March set to be a pivotal moment.

Source: bbc.com