England, Wales, Sweden, Serbia: Federations withdraw support for FIFA's Infantino

A significant shift has occurred in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections, with several European football federations withdrawing their support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid. This move signals growing discontent among member nations regarding the direction of global football governance.

The federations, including those from England, Wales, Sweden, and Serbia, have announced they will no longer back the Italo-Swiss official in the upcoming elections scheduled for March 2027. This collective withdrawal appears to be a reaction to a recently abandoned proposal that would have opened the World Cup to foreign investors.

While the specific details of the investor plan were not elaborated upon in the provided text, its perceived negative implications seem to have galvanized these federations. The decision suggests a desire for greater control and transparency within FIFA, particularly concerning major revenue-generating events like the World Cup.

Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, has faced scrutiny over various initiatives during his tenure. The withdrawal of support from these key European nations could potentially impact his chances of securing a third term, highlighting a potential challenge to his leadership.