Irish FA and Former Players Turn Against Infantino

The Irish Football Association (IFA) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding further pressure on the under-fire leader ahead of next year’s election.

The Northern Ireland governing body said it was time for change after expressing serious concerns over Infantino’s approach to FIFA’s governance and financial affairs.

The decision follows controversy surrounding a proposal to sell a 21% stake in FIFA’s commercial operations to a private investment company. The plan was eventually abandoned after strong opposition, particularly from UEFA, which had warned it could consider boycotting FIFA competitions.

In a statement, the IFA said the proposal had gone beyond a simple communication failure and raised serious concerns about FIFA’s strategy, governance and management of its assets.

The association had previously supported UEFA’s opposition to the plan but had stopped short of formally withdrawing its backing for Infantino. It has now joined a growing number of football associations calling for new leadership.

Football associations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have already withdrawn their support for Infantino, who is expected to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the election in March 2027.

Former Players unite against FIFA
Former Manchester United and France defender Mikaël Silvestre, a member of FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, published a statement calling for significant changes within the organisation. The statement was subsequently shared by prominent players and former internationals, including England defender Lucy Bronze, France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit and former England goalkeeper David James.

The players criticised FIFA for making major decisions without sufficient consultation with footballers or supporters. They argued that the sport had moved away from its traditional values under Infantino’s leadership and called for players and fans to have a greater say in how football is governed.

“Change is necessary,” the statement said, arguing that recent developments had made it impossible for players to remain silent.

Infantino is facing increasing pressure from several parts of the football world. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has suggested that the FIFA president should either step aside or face a serious challenge at next year’s election.

However, Infantino still retains influential support. Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Association and a former Barcelona striker, has defended the FIFA president and said he does not believe Infantino has done anything wrong.

Eto’o credited Infantino with expanding opportunities for smaller nations and increasing Africa’s influence within international football.

With more national associations and prominent players now calling for change, the pressure on Infantino is growing. The crucial question will be whether his opponents can unite behind a credible alternative before the FIFA presidential election next March.