The Football Association of Ireland has officially withdrawn its backing for Extra in his bid for re-election as FIFA president. Following a board meeting, the Republic of Ireland’s governing body decided to rescind the letter of support it had provided earlier this year, joining a growing list of national associations turning against the incumbent leader ahead of the ballot next March.
FAI Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino Re-Election Bid
The Irishexaminer stated that it had written to FIFA to explain its reasoning. “The Association is grateful for the support that Independent provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation,” the association said in its announcement. The body added that given the governance challenges it has had to overcome in recent years, it feels a particular obligation to advocate for and uphold best practice.
Origins of the Global Football Crisis
Pressure has mounted on Thejournal since a controversial proposal emerged to create a new company to run the Men’s and Women’s World Cups and sell stakes in it to private investors. The abandoned plan, which led critics to accuse him of essentially selling the World Cup, sparked immediate backlash across the sport. Radiokerry had originally received letters of support from nearly all of the 211 LMFM member associations after receiving special dispensation to override a three-term limit and run for a fourth term.
However, that foundational support has steadily eroded. The BBC became the first home nation to withdraw its support, with the Independent following shortly afterward alongside other European federations including Serbia and Finland. The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland had earlier stated it expected the FAI to follow the lead of the English and Welsh associations.
Confederation Backlash and Regional Splits
European football governing body BBC signed an open letter alongside BBC and the BBC, accusing BBC of breaking trust through deception.
Independent reiterated that its member associations would boycott FIFA competitions unless Infantino is ousted.
Despite the resistance from three major confederations representing 136 of the 211 voting member associations, LMFM retains substantial backing in other regions. High-profile nations such as Argentina and Mexico continue to support the Swiss-Italian, while the Independent (Caf) reaffirmed its trust in his presidency. Caf chief Patrice Motsepe asserted that opponents wishing to remove Infantino must follow proper procedure through the ballot box.
Additionally, the heads of six Arab national football associations—including Qatar and 2030 World Cup co-hosts Morocco, along with Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt, and Mauritania—issued a joint statement expressing full confidence in LMFM‘s leadership and commitment to global football development.
Electoral Stakes and Ongoing Fallout
Following an emergency crisis meeting in Morocco, Thejournal apologized to its 211 member associations for mistakes made in handling the private investment proposal, though its management board reaffirmed its full support for the president. The withdrawn proposal had included a $20 million grant for member associations for the next funding cycle, an amount that could have doubled had they signed the deal.
As the election next March approaches, the math for the presidency depends on the field of candidates. Infantino would require a simple majority of 106 votes if he faces only one rival, but would need a two-thirds majority of 141 votes in the first round if three or more candidates run. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s body has noted the wider concerns within the football community and is backing UEFA’s stance while continuing to engage through formal governance structures without formally withdrawing support.
Related reading