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The Football Association of Ireland has withdrawn its formal support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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The FAI cited concerns over governance, transparency and a lack of meaningful consultation.
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The Irish Football Association has stopped short of withdrawing its support but confirmed it backs UEFA’s position.
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Infantino’s push for a fourth term has come under increasing pressure following the abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial operations.
August 13, (THEWILL) — The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding to the growing pressure surrounding the FIFA chief ahead of his bid for a fourth term.
The decision comes after a turbulent period for Infantino, whose proposed sale of a stake in FIFA’s commercial operations to a private investment company triggered criticism from several major football organisations. Although the plan has since been abandoned, the controversy has intensified questions over FIFA’s governance and transparency.
The FAI had previously indicated its support for Infantino but has now reversed that position following a board meeting.
FAI cites governance and transparency concerns
In confirming its decision, the FAI said it had written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding its earlier letter of support.
The Irish governing body stressed that while it remains grateful for FIFA’s support of Irish football, recent events had created serious concerns over how the organisation is being governed.
The FAI specifically pointed to governance, transparency and what it described as a lack of meaningful consultation.
The association also linked its decision to its own experience with governance reform, saying it felt an obligation to advocate for best practice because of the challenges Irish football had previously faced.
The development represents a significant change in position for the FAI and places Ireland among the football associations increasingly distancing themselves from Infantino.
READ ALSO:Â UEFA Refuses To End FIFA World Cup Boycott Despite Infantino’s U-Turn
IFA backs UEFA but stops short of withdrawing support
The situation is slightly different in Northern Ireland.
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has not formally withdrawn its support for Infantino, but it has confirmed that it backs UEFA’s current position.
UEFA, together with Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, recently signed an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust “through deception”.
The IFA said it was aware of the wider concerns within the football community and was considering the developments carefully.
It added that, as a member association of both UEFA and FIFA, it would continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures.
The position means that both football associations on the island of Ireland have now expressed reservations about the direction of FIFA leadership, although only the FAI has formally withdrawn its previous backing.
READ ALSO:Â AFC Rejects Infantino’s Investment Plan, Joins UEFA And CONCACAF In Opposition
Infantino’s fourth-term bid faces growing pressure
The developments come at a difficult moment for Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president.
His position has come under increased scrutiny following the controversy surrounding the proposed investment deal involving FIFA’s commercial operations.
The proposed transaction was eventually abandoned, but its fallout has been significant.
The Welsh FA became the first of the UK and Irish home nations to withdraw its support for Infantino, followed shortly afterwards by the English FA.
The FAI has now joined that group.
UEFA’s public criticism has added another layer to the dispute, particularly because European football represents one of the most influential blocs within FIFA’s membership.
With more associations questioning Infantino’s leadership and governance approach, the road to a fourth term has become considerably more complicated.
For now, Infantino retains significant support across world football, but the latest decisions from Ireland’s football authorities demonstrate that the controversy surrounding his presidency is no longer confined to a small group of critics.
The pressure is growing, and with FIFA’s presidential race approaching, every withdrawal of support could become increasingly significant.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
