England FA to withdraw support for Infantino re‑election

The Football Association (FA) of England is expected to formally withdraw its backing for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s bid for a second term, a move prompted by the fallout from a controversial proposal to increase the World Cup’s financial stakes. The decision follows an internal review that concluded the FA’s involvement in the plan, which sought to raise the tournament’s prize pool and commercial revenues through a series of high‑risk investments, was mishandled and failed to secure the anticipated returns. Sources within the FA indicated that the proposal, initially championed by senior officials in early 2024, collapsed after partner negotiations fell through and the projected financial uplift proved unrealistic.

The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the FA’s stance toward Infantino, who has faced growing criticism over governance issues and the expanding format of the World Cup. By distancing itself, the English governing body aims to preserve its credibility ahead of upcoming elections at the FIFA Congress in February 2025. The FA’s leadership emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to prudent financial stewardship and a focus on domestic football priorities, while reaffirming support for the broader objectives of the global game.