The English Football Association may withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino bid for another term as FIFA president following the collapse of a controversial proposal to commercialize part of FIFA World Cup.
The planned move comes after FIFA abandoned its proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, FFE, a commercial entity that would have allowed private investors to acquire a minority stake in the financial rights associated with the World Cup. The proposal sparked widespread opposition from several football confederations, national associations and senior football administrators, who argued that such a significant decision had been pursued without adequate consultation.
According to reports, the English FA is expected to formally notify FIFA of its decision to withdraw its endorsement of Infantino ahead of the 2027 presidential election, becoming one of the highest-profile member associations to distance itself from the FIFA president.
The development follows a similar move by the Football Association of Wales, which became the first national federation to publicly revoke its support for Infantino after the investment proposal was withdrawn.
The controversy centres on FIFA’s plan to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary intended to attract private investment into the commercial future of the World Cup. Reports indicated that investors would have acquired a minority stake in the venture, with proceeds expected to be distributed among FIFA’s 211 member associations as part of a broader financial package. However, the proposal immediately faced fierce resistance from football stakeholders across the globe.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, strongly opposed the initiative and warned that it could reconsider its participation in FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded. Officials argued that the proposal lacked transparency and raised serious concerns over the long-term commercial independence of football’s biggest tournament.
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The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, also criticized FIFA’s handling of the proposal, saying member associations were not adequately consulted before such a major commercial restructuring was unveiled.
Faced with mounting opposition, Infantino announced that the proposal would not proceed, acknowledging that it had created divisions within the global football community. The fallout has nevertheless continued to intensify.
UEFA has since indicated it is considering legal options over the abandoned project, while also questioning FIFA’s decision-making processes and governance standards. The European body has reportedly asked FIFA to preserve all documentation relating to the proposal as discussions over possible legal action continue.
The controversy has also exposed divisions within FIFA itself. Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned following the dispute, while FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour reportedly criticized the manner in which the proposal was developed, alleging that senior officials and staff had not been fully informed about the project.
Political leaders have also weighed into the debate. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described Infantino as the “wrong man” to lead FIFA, while several football administrators have renewed calls for reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and governance within world football.
Despite growing criticism, Infantino has given no indication that he intends to step down. The Swiss-Italian football administrator is still expected to seek re-election when FIFA holds its next presidential election in March 2027.
Although several European football associations are reconsidering their support, Infantino continues to enjoy backing from a number of national federations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, including football authorities in Morocco, Egypt and Qatar.
Analysts believe the coming months could prove decisive for FIFA’s leadership as member associations weigh whether confidence in Infantino can be restored or whether world football requires new leadership ahead of the next presidential election.
The dispute has also reignited broader debates over governance within international football, with many stakeholders arguing that future commercial decisions involving the FIFA World Cup should be subjected to greater scrutiny, wider consultation and stronger institutional oversight.
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