ENGLAND AND WALES WITHDRAW SUPPORT FOR INFANTINO'S RE-ELECTION

The English Football Association has drafted a letter withdrawing its previous endorsement of Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA president in 2027, following the collapse of his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The Welsh Football Association announced the withdrawal first, citing "failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement" in a statement on Monday. Finland has also begun the process of withdrawing its support letter. Infantino's re-election campaign, scheduled for March 2027, now faces significant opposition from multiple governing bodies.

UEFA and Concacaf have launched a coordinated strategy to pressure Infantino's resignation, according to reports. UEFA has indicated it is "actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints" relating to the failed proposals. The confederations are also seeking to counter Infantino's traditional vote-winning strategy of promising increased funding to individual associations, arguing such resources should be provided regardless. Reports suggest that at least 200 national associations had previously submitted endorsement letters for Infantino, with multiple federations now expected to withdraw those letters in the coming period.

The breakdown in support follows widespread rejection of Infantino's World Cup privatisation plan by governing bodies across world football. Officials have indicated Infantino has been attempting to secure his position in recent days. The FIFA president faces the prospect of losing the election before it reaches a vote, should the withdrawal of support letters accelerate among member nations.