Irish federation withdraws support for Infantino's re-election over 'transparency' concerns

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced on Thursday that it is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA president. The FAI had previously issued a letter of support for Infantino's candidacy for a fourth and final term, but recent events have prompted a significant change of stance.

In a statement, the FAI explained that it has written to FIFA to communicate its decision and the reasons behind it. The federation expressed gratitude for FIFA's support of Irish football but stated that "recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency, and the lack of meaningful consultation." The FAI acknowledged its own past institutional management challenges, emphasizing its "special obligation" to promote and defend best practices.

This move by the FAI follows similar withdrawals of support from six other European federations: Finland, Wales, England, Sweden, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Additionally, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have also voiced strong criticism of Infantino, particularly regarding his unsuccessful attempt to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

Despite these challenges, Infantino still commands support from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for next March, and the growing dissent among European football bodies indicates a potentially contentious race ahead.

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The Association thanks FIFA for its support of Irish football. But recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency, and the lack of meaningful consultation.