FAI Cuts Ties with Infantino as European Support Continues to Erode
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, dealing another blow to his standing among European football associations.
The FAI confirmed that its board had reversed an earlier decision to back Infantino, citing concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation within FIFA.
The decision comes amid growing discontent among UEFA member associations following Infantino’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Although the plan to involve private investment in FIFA’s commercial operations has since been abandoned, the fallout has deepened divisions between FIFA’s leadership and several European federations.
Wales and England have already withdrawn their support for Infantino, making Ireland the latest association to distance itself from the FIFA president.
The FAI acknowledged FIFA’s support for Irish football but said its own experience with governance reform meant it had a responsibility to promote stronger standards within the international game.
Northern Ireland’s IFA has not withdrawn its backing but said it supports UEFA’s position and remains concerned about wider issues surrounding football governance.
Infantino’s fourth-term ambitions now face increased scrutiny as opposition continues to build across Europe, with the FFE controversy becoming a major test of confidence in his leadership.