Irish FA Withdraws Support for Infantino as European Revolt Grows
Gianni Infantino’s grip on power has taken another heavy hit, with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) formally withdrawing its backing for the embattled Fifa president.
The move drops Ireland into line with a growing European revolt. It comes days after the Football Association of Wales and then the English FA pulled their support, and shortly after Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation signed a blistering open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust “through deception”.
At the heart of the storm is Infantino’s abandoned attempt to sell a stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to a private investment company. The plan has already been scrapped, but the fallout has left his bid for a fourth term at the top of world football looking increasingly exposed.
FAI reverses course after board meeting
The FAI had previously indicated support for Infantino before the post-World Cup controversy erupted. That position has now been dramatically reversed.
“Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year,” the association confirmed.
It has written to Fifa to set out its reasoning. The statement struck a careful balance: appreciation for Fifa’s backing on one side, deep unease on the other.
“The Association is grateful for the support that Fifa provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.
“Considering the governance challenges that the FAI has had to overcome in recent years, the Association feels a particular obligation to advocate for and uphold best practice.”
Those lines carry weight. The FAI’s own recent history of governance turmoil means it is acutely sensitive to any hint of opaque decision-making at the top of the game. Now it is using that experience as a reason to step away from Infantino.
Northern Ireland backs Uefa line, holds fire on withdrawal
Across the border, the Irish Football Association (IFA) has stopped short of formally withdrawing its support, but it has nailed its colours to Uefa’s mast.
“We take our responsibilities as a member association of both Uefa and Fifa seriously,” an IFA spokesperson said.
“We support the current Uefa position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance.
“We are of course aware of the recent developments and wider concerns within the football community. We are considering these matters carefully and will continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures and channels.
“At this stage, we have no further comment.”
The wording is cautious, but the direction is clear: Northern Ireland’s governing body recognises the “wider concerns” around Infantino and is aligning itself with Uefa’s stance, even if it has not yet taken the final step the FAI has.
A presidency under siege
What began as a row over a commercial proposal has turned into a full-scale crisis of confidence. Uefa’s open letter, backed by Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, accused Infantino of eroding trust at the highest level of the sport. Home nations have started to peel away. Now the Republic of Ireland has joined that breakaway, with Northern Ireland edging closer.
The numbers and the noise are moving in one direction. The question is whether Infantino can turn any of it back before the next Fifa vote decides his fate.
