French football chiefs withdraw backing for Fifa boss Infantino

France's football leaders are proposing to reshape FIFA's governance after the country's national association, the French Football Federation (FFF), joined a list of other nations withdrawing support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The FFF followed England, Italy, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales in pulling their backing from Infantino, who had proposed selling stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

The FFF initially supported Infantino in June but became critical following the revelation of his investment plan, which sparked global outrage. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF have called for Infantino to step down, despite his continued support from CONMEBOL and CAF. FIFA has confirmed Infantino will seek re-election for a third term in the March presidential election.

Philippe Diallo, FFF president, expressed disappointment in FIFA's governance, stating it fails to meet the standards of the sport. Despite Infantino's withdrawal of his proposal, the FFF emphasized that FIFA's governance is still in need of reform. The FFF plans to initiate discussions with confederations, national associations, players, supporters, and governance experts to overhaul FIFA's structure, aiming to rebuild trust, improve transparency, and uphold the independence and exemplary conduct of world football's governing body.