France Joins European Revolt Against Infantino: What It Means for African Football

France has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA president in March 2027, joining a growing list of European federations that have turned against the embattled Swiss leader. The decision, announced by the French Football Federation (FFF) on Thursday, marks another significant blow to Infantino's authority as he faces mounting criticism over his governance of world football.

The French federation cited a betrayal of trust following Infantino's now-abandoned plan to bring private investment into the men's and women's World Cups. FFF president Philippe Diallo made the announcement, aligning France with Belgium, Italy, Scotland, Sweden and Wales in rejecting Infantino's candidacy.

Why Did France Withdraw Support for Infantino?

Diallo delivered a sharp rebuke in his statement, saying that the trust placed in the FIFA president had been betrayed. The decision was unanimous among FFF members, who concluded that the way world football governance is being handled no longer reflects their values.

We believe that the trust placed in the FIFA president has been betrayed, and that the way in which the governance of world football is envisaged no longer reflects us, Diallo said.

France's move carries particular weight given its historical role in FIFA. Diallo reminded observers that France is one of the founding nations of FIFA and has the right to intervene when the organization and its president go off course. He also pointed to France's sporting legitimacy, noting the national team has been in the top three of the FIFA rankings for the last decade.

What Sparked the Rebellion Against Infantino?

The revolt stems from proposals announced in late July to create a commercial subsidiary that would run FIFA's biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. The plan, developed under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in the company.

The backlash was swift and severe. European football's governing body UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, and while that threat was later suspended, UEFA has called for Infantino's resignation and has been preparing legal action against him for alleged criminal mismanagement. FIFA, in turn, has accused UEFA of running a smear campaign.

The proposals were quickly shelved, but the damage to Infantino's credibility was done.

Who Could Challenge Infantino for the FIFA Presidency?

At this stage, Infantino, 56, is the only confirmed candidate for the March 2027 election, which will take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco. However, Victor Montagliani, president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), is widely seen as a likely challenger.

Montagliani, who serves as a FIFA vice-president, was long regarded as a close ally of Infantino. But there were signs of him distancing himself even before the private investment controversy erupted.

The FFF has said it will begin a consultation process to decide who to support against Infantino.

What Does This Mean for African Football?

While European opposition to Infantino grows, he is not without powerful allies. Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2034 World Cup, came out in support of him last month. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and South America's Conmebol have also expressed their backing.

This split raises important questions for the African continent. CAF's continued support for Infantino comes despite his controversial track record, including the failed European Super League-style plans and ongoing governance disputes. For African football, the choice is not simple: Infantino has overseen increased African representation at World Cups, including the historic decision to award the 2030 tournament with a significant African component, but his governance style has drawn criticism from those who see it as emblematic of the old colonial power structures that continue to shape global football.

As the March 2027 election approaches, African football leaders must weigh their options carefully. The continent's voice in FIFA matters, and the decision to back Infantino or support a challenger will shape the future of the game for years to come.

Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016, inheriting an organization in crisis. Now he faces his own existential challenge, with European opposition mounting and questions about his leadership intensifying.

The coming months will be critical. Whether Infantino can survive this European revolt, or whether African and other allies will hold the line, remains to be seen. What is clear is that the fight for the soul of world football is far from over.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the FIFA presidential election take place?

The election will be held in March 2027 at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

Which European federations have withdrawn support for Infantino?

France, Belgium, Italy, Scotland, Sweden and Wales have all publicly withdrawn their support for Infantino's candidacy.

Who is likely to challenge Infantino?

Victor Montagliani, president of Concacaf, is widely seen as the most likely challenger to Infantino.

Why did Infantino lose European support?

The loss of support stems from his failed plan to bring private investment into the World Cups, which critics said betrayed the trust placed in him.