FAI Withdraws Support for Fifa President Infantino
The Football Association of Ireland has pulled its backing for embattled Fifa president Gianni Infantino, deepening the growing rift between European federations and the head of world football.
The move drops Infantino into even rougher waters. His push for a fourth term was already under severe strain after a storm of criticism over a now-abandoned plan to sell a stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to a private investment company.
Ireland breaks ranks
The FAI, which had previously signalled support for Infantino before the post-World Cup fallout, confirmed it has now formally reversed that position in a letter to Fifa.
“Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year,” the association stated.
That is more than a symbolic gesture. The FAI has spent recent years wrestling with its own governance crisis, and it framed this decision through that lens.
“The Association is grateful for the support that Fifa provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.
“Considering the governance challenges that the FAI has had to overcome in recent years, the Association feels a particular obligation to advocate for and uphold best practice.”
The pressure on Infantino has accelerated since Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation co-signed an explosive open letter on Monday, accusing him of breaking trust “through deception” over the commercial stake proposal. That deal has since been dropped, but the damage to his standing clearly has not.
Last week, the Welsh FA became the first of the home nations to withdraw support. The English FA followed. Now the FAI has joined that list, leaving Infantino increasingly isolated in parts of Europe.
Northern Ireland backs Uefa line
Across the border, the Irish Football Association has stopped short of outright withdrawal – but it has nailed its colours to Uefa’s mast.
“We take our responsibilities as a member association of both Uefa and Fifa seriously,” an IFA spokesperson said.
“We support the current Uefa position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance.
“We are of course aware of the recent developments and wider concerns within the football community. We are considering these matters carefully and will continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures and channels.
“At this stage, we have no further comment.”
The statement is cautious, but the direction of travel is clear: Northern Ireland stands with Uefa’s stance as the European body leads the revolt.
With support peeling away and questions over governance and transparency refusing to fade, Infantino’s grip on a fourth term no longer looks like a formality. The real test now is whether this is a temporary backlash – or the start of a full-scale realignment inside Fifa’s power structure.
