Philippe Diallo says FFF has withdrawn Infantino backing

The French Football Federation has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, marking a major change in its position ahead of the March 2027 election. Philippe Diallo said the decision was taken unanimously by the FFF executive committee after its confidence in Infantino’s leadership was lost.

France had initially backed Infantino after his candidacy was announced in Vancouver. Diallo said the federation formally confirmed that support in late June, but the conditions behind it changed from July onward. Events during the World Cup, he said, conflicted with France’s view of how global football should be governed.

The main point of dispute was Infantino’s abandoned plan to create a commercial company that would sell stakes in World Cup rights. Diallo criticised the lack of consultation surrounding the proposal, particularly after the tournament generated record revenue of 16 billion. He also said pressure from several confederations contributed to the plan being dropped, but that its withdrawal did not restore confidence.

The FFF is aligning itself with UEFA’s opposition to Infantino and intends to help shape an alternative. France will consult French and international figures, including representatives of non-governmental organisations, before contributing to a position to be discussed at the next UEFA executive committee meeting. The federation will then help select the candidate it wants to support for the FIFA presidency.