Experts Said the Backlash Exposed Dissatisfaction Among FIFA Members and Could Complicate His Path Ahead of March's Congress in Morocco

Wales became the first football federation to formally withdraw support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid after his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights was scrapped. The Football Association of Wales said on Monday that Infantino had lost its confidence to remain at the helm of world football, citing failures in governance, leadership, and stakeholder management. FIFA's plan to raise up to $4.2bn by selling a roughly 20 percent stake in a new entity overseeing competitions, including the World Cup, ended in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance.

UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership, and UEFA sent a document preservation order, though it did not confirm reports of preparing legal action. Infantino, who took over from Sepp Blatter in 2016 and has been re-elected unopposed twice, had said in April he intended to seek a fourth term. Experts said the backlash exposed dissatisfaction among FIFA members and could complicate his path ahead of March's Congress in Morocco.

FIFA has not publicly commented on Wales's statement. "The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms ‌its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027–2031 term,"