France withdraws support for Infantino as FIFA president

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France has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s presidency of FIFA, becoming the latest major European football nation to distance itself from the world governing body’s leader.

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The French Football Federation announced the decision on Thursday, following similar moves by England, Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

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The decision follows Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The plan triggered widespread criticism and led UEFA to threaten a boycott of FIFA competitions.

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UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have also called for Infantino to step down, although he continues to receive backing from South America’s Conmebol and Africa’s CAF.

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FIFA has confirmed that Infantino will seek a fourth term in office at the presidential election in March.

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FFF president Philippe Diallo said the federation could not support the way the proposal was handled.

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“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.

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“FIFA’s governance does not live up to the standards that football represents,” Diallo said.

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Although Infantino abandoned the investment proposal, the FFF said concerns over FIFA’s governance remained unresolved.

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“FIFA’s governance cannot be considered resolved,” the federation said.

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The FFF plans to consult confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts as it seeks proposals for wide-ranging reforms.

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“The aim of these consultations will be to foster collective reflection and to draw up proposals for a far-reaching transformation of FIFA’s governance, with a view to restoring confidence, enhancing transparency and ensuring the independence and exemplary conduct of world football’s governing body,” the federation said.

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The FFF, a founding member of FIFA, said it intends to contribute to what it considers an important debate over the future direction and regulation of world football.

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