FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces growing opposition from major football federations

Gianni Infantino FIFA presidency FFF UEFA FIFA Forward Enterprise

Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, is facing intensifying opposition from major football governing bodies ahead of the March 2027 presidential elections. The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially decided to withdraw its support for his re-election, citing concerns over governance and the lack of transparency regarding the recently abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which had proposed selling a 20% stake in World Cup revenues to private investors.

Other European nations, including Belgium, Italy, Sweden, and Scotland, have also distanced themselves from Infantino. Additionally, UEFA has announced its intention to file a criminal complaint against him in Switzerland and is considering backing a challenger, such as CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani.

In contrast, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) remains a key institutional supporter, with officials asserting that the continent's 54 member associations stand behind him. Meanwhile, the NGO FairSquare has filed a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee, alleging abuses of power and violations of political neutrality related to Infantino's relationship with Donald Trump and the handling of the Folarin Balogun red-card controversy during the 2026 World Cup. A petition calling for accountability has garnered over 100,000 signatures.

Entities

Confederation of African Football · Donald Trump · FIFA · FairSquare · French Football Federation · Gianni Infantino · Royal Belgian Football Association · UEFA

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The RBFA is seeking to place the 'Balogun case'—concerning a rescinded red card for US striker Folarin Balogun—on the FIFA Council agenda. www.watson.ch · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · radionotas.com · blueprint.ng
[● 4 SOURCES] The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has officially withdrawn its support for Infantino’s re-election. www.watson.ch · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · radionotas.com · blueprint.ng
[● 9 SOURCES] Gianni Infantino intends to run for a fourth term as FIFA President in the March 2027 elections. golazo.ro · www.watson.ch · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · www.jamaicaobserver.com · news.republika.co.id · +4 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock criticized suggestions that Infantino could succeed Antonio Guterres as UN Secretary-General. siol.net
[● 12 SOURCES] FIFA abandoned a plan to sell a 20% stake in its World Cup competitions to private investors following significant backlash. golazo.ro · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · congo-b.com · www.jamaicaobserver.com · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · +7 more
[● 9 SOURCES] The human rights organization FairSquare has filed a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee alleging Infantino violated the code of ethics through his relationship with Donald Trump. www.onetz.de · sport.orf.at · www.suedtirolnews.it · www.vol.at · www.alaraby.co.uk · +4 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The ethics complaint includes details regarding Infantino's role in the Balogun affair during the World Cup. www.vol.at · www.onetz.de · sport.orf.at · www.suedtirolnews.it · 1001infos.net · +3 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The Confederation of African Football (CAF) continues to support Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. congo-b.com · golazo.ro · www.nasuba.info · news.republika.co.id
[● 3 SOURCES] UEFA has announced its intention to file a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino in Switzerland. congo-b.com · golazo.ro · dakar92.com
[● 3 SOURCES] FairSquare alleges that Gianni Infantino's relationship with Donald Trump constitutes an abuse of power and a violation of political neutrality and loyalty. n1info.ba · www.vol.at · atarde.com.br
[● 4 SOURCES] The French Football Federation (FFF) is expected to formally withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino. www.sportingpedia.com · www.centrepresseaveyron.fr · sport1.pl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Over 100,000 people have signed a petition requesting the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate Gianni Infantino's conduct. n1info.ba