Infantino Faces Threat to FIFA Presidency as Sweden and Wales Withdraw Support

Gianni Infantino is at odds with the governing bodies that should back him. In a move that could reshape the world’s biggest football authority, the Swedish and Welsh federations have declared they will no longer support his bid for another term as FIFA president. The England FA and major continental confederations are said to be preparing to withdraw their backing as well, signifying a rare coalition of dissent around the most powerful figure in the sport.^[1]

Swedish and Welsh Federations Withdraw Support

Sweden’s national federation announced it would end its support for Infantino over a series of governance and financial disputes, marking the first high‑profile break with the FIFA president from within a European member association. Wales followed suit, removing its endorsement in symptomatic pressure for a change of leadership.^[1]

English FA and Confederations Line Up Against Infantino

Reports suggest the English Football Association is set to withdraw its support, a rare move among national associations whose continued loyalty has typically secured Infantino’s hold over the FIFA board. Meanwhile, Europe's UEFA and North America’s CONCACAF have issued similar rebukes, indicating a growing regional bloc against his re‑election campaign.^[1]

Public Outcry Over Proposed World Cup Profit Plan

A key flare‑up in the backlash has been Infantino’s proposed plan to sell shares of future World Cup profits to private investors, a move critics claim would undermine the sport’s fair‑play ethos and prize fund distribution. Football clubs and fan organisations have vocally opposed the scheme, fueling the pressure for a broader institutional rebuke.^[1]