PARIS, September 11. /Dunyo IA/. The French Football Federation (FFF) has unanimously withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election, citing a loss of confidence in the organization’s leadership, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to “The Guardian”, the decision was made on September 11 following events surrounding the World Cup and FIFA’s scrapped plan to sell a 20% stake in the commercial rights to its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

FFF President Philippe Diallo said the current FIFA chief’s initiatives had “seriously damaged the image and unity of football” and that trust in the FIFA president had been broken.

He said France considered itself entitled to oppose a FIFA course that did not correspond to its vision of how world football should be governed. The federation also plans to take part in the search for an alternative candidate before November 18, the deadline for nominations.

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 people have added their names to a complaint against Gianni Infantino, alleging that the FIFA president “at the very least abused his power and breached his duty of political neutrality and loyalty.”

One source of tension was the decision during the World Cup to overturn the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA previously said the decision by its disciplinary committee was made in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Despite growing criticism, Infantino retains enough support to secure re-election, several sources familiar with discussions within football’s governing bodies told “Reuters.” His position remains particularly strong among smaller football associations and outside Europe.

At the FIFA Congress, each of the 211 national associations has one vote, meaning European opponents would need to secure support from other continents. So far, no candidate capable of building such a coalition and mounting a serious challenge to Gianni Infantino has emerged.

Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who had been considered one of the potential challengers, said through a spokesperson that he had no intention of running. Other potential candidates have yet to indicate that they are prepared to stand.

Against this backdrop, Gianni Infantino’s opponents are considering a change in strategy, focusing not only on removing him but also on limiting the powers of the FIFA presidency. Discussions include tighter oversight of major commercial decisions and a redistribution of authority within the organization’s leadership.

The FIFA presidential election will be held on March 18, 2027, in Morocco’s capital, while candidates must be nominated by November 18 this year.

Photo: Reuters