The Football Association of Wales (FAW) became the first member of…
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) became the first member of FIFA to withdraw its support for the re-election candidacy of its president, Gianni Infantino.
Consensus
- The Football Association of Wales (FAW) withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino's re-reelection as FIFA president.
- The withdrawal was due to failures in governance, leadership, communication, and values.
- Infantino's proposal to create a commercial entity for the 2026 World Cup, allowing private investors to purchase shares, triggered controversy.
- UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments in response to the proposal.
- Infantino abandoned the plan after public and organizational backlash.
- The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027.
Points of divergence
- FAW stated that the issues leading to the withdrawal included 'failures in proper management, processes, leadership, values, interaction with participants, communication, and sound judgment.' — kommersant
- FAW emphasized that they 'cannot tolerate that football interests are not prioritized.' — m24
- FIFA was reportedly discussing the proposal with individuals close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the plan was developed in secret. — m24
- The crisis began after the proposal in late July, but the situation escalated after UEFA threatened a boycott. — kommersant
- Journalist Romain Molina suggested Infantino might leave FIFA soon, despite the 2027 election. — m24
Coverage (2 sources)
- Wales first to withdraw support for Infantino's candidacy for the head of FIFA — Коммерсантъ
- Football Association of Wales withdrew letter in support of re-election of Gianni Infantino — Москва 24
Key entities
- Gianni Infantino
- Free and Equal Women
- FIFA
- Wales
- Gazeta.ru
- The Guardian
- BBC
- Football Association
- TASS/YEVA/YOAN VALAT