The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The FFF executive committee confirmed the decision on Thursday, with president Philippe Diallo saying they no longer believe Infantino is taking football in the right direction.
France had initially backed Infantino’s re-election campaign in June, joining more than 200 national associations in supporting his candidacy.
However, Diallo explained that the federation changed its position in the past weeks.
“The trust placed in Gianni Infantino has been broken,” Diallo said (via L’Equipe), confirming that the decision to withdraw France’s backing had been unanimous.
Diallo has been particularly critical of Infantino’s approach to FIFA governance and decision-making.
The FFF president strongly opposed a controversial proposal to sell World Cup shares to private investment funds linked to associates of United States President Donald Trump.
He has also questioned FIFA’s priorities over tournament finances.
Diallo pointed to the significant difference between the prize money World Cup-winning nations received and the sums distributed during Infantino’s expanded Club World Cup.
Chelsea, who won the competition, reportedly received around €100 million, roughly twice the amount allocated to the World Cup champions.
However, the concerns extend beyond individual decisions. Diallo accused Infantino of failing to consult member associations before making major strategic decisions.
The FFF will now begin consultations with prominent French and international figures on football governance.
The plan is to contribute to discussions within UEFA before eventually backing an alternative candidate.
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027.
Infantino is determined to seek another term, but France’s decision could matter given the country’s influence in European football and its status as one of the world’s leading national teams.
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