The FFF’s decision, confirmed on Thursday, aligns France with a growing coalition of European federations that have distanced themselves from the current leadership. Nations including Belgium, Italy, Scotland, Sweden, and Wales have already signaled their opposition to Infantino’s continued tenure. FFF president
Governance Concerns and Growing Opposition
The decision by the French federation follows intense scrutiny regarding FIFA’s strategic direction. Diallo emphasized that France, as a founding member of FIFA and a consistent top-three performer in the official rankings over the past decade, felt compelled to speak out against the current trajectory of the organization. The FFF has announced it will now begin consultations to determine which candidate it will support in the upcoming election.
The pressure on Infantino intensified in late July when FIFA proposed the creation of a commercial subsidiary under the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' initiative. The plan, which would have permitted private investors to acquire stakes in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the Club World Cup, triggered widespread backlash. Although FIFA has since abandoned the proposal, the damage to the president's standing remains. UEFA, in particular, had previously threatened to boycott FIFA competitions and has explored potential legal action regarding allegations of criminal mismanagement.
The Path to the March Election
Despite the mounting opposition, Infantino remains the only confirmed candidate for the presidency. However, speculation continues to surround CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, who is viewed as a potential challenger. While Montagliani was once considered a close ally of the incumbent, reports suggest a growing distance between the two figures.
Infantino, who took office in 2016 following the departure of Sepp Blatter, retains support in other regions. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the South American governing body CONMEBOL have maintained their backing, as has Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. As the election date approaches, the divide between European federations and the current FIFA administration appears to be a defining feature of the upcoming leadership contest.
