Nation Become First to Officially Withdraw Support For FIFA's Gianni Infantino as Pressure Grows

A UEFA member nation has become the first to formally withdraw support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino after backlash over his World Cup plans. The proposal, reported after the tournament, would have sold stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors, sparking widespread outrage. UEFA threatened to boycott if the plans went ahead, while CONCACAF and the AFC also opposed. With opposition growing and support thinning, FIFA shelved the idea. Still, Infantino faces losses of confidence: Wales’ football association said it withdrew its backing for Infantino’s re-election for the 2027–2031 term, citing governance and leadership concerns.