Privatization Without Representation: France Joins European Revolt Against Infantino

When central administrators in global sports assume they can trade off primary assets behind closed doors, they routinely underestimate the backlash when details inevitably leak. Gianni Infantino is learning this lesson. The French Football Federation has formally abandoned its endorsement of the FIFA president's re-election effort, joining a widening coalition of European administrators tired of opaque deal-making in Zurich.

The decision, taken unanimously by the French federation's executive committee, marks a swift reversal of course. Back in late June, Paris had lined up behind Infantino when he stood as the sole declared candidate. That initial support vanished after details emerged of an ambition to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA competitions—including the World Cup—to private investors. The scheme collapsed in July amidst fierce opposition from regional confederations, leaving Infantino's authority significantly weakened.

FFF President Philippe Diallo was explicit about the breakdown in relations, stating that the trust placed in the FIFA president has been broken. Diallo made clear that the manner in which world football is currently being managed no longer aligns with European expectations. The core issue remains the total absence of proper consultation before attempting to sell off a fifth of global football's crown jewels to private capital.

This withdrawal is not a solitary French maneuver. By abandoning the incumbent, Paris aligns its position with federations across the continent, including those in England, Italy, Belgium, Scotland, and Sweden. Institutional pressure is building beyond individual borders: UEFA, alongside the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, is actively seeking a credible rival candidate before the election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat. Any challenger must be formally declared by November 18.

Unseating an entrenched executive in international sports is rarely simple, particularly given that Infantino still retains the backing of South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF. Diallo acknowledged that criticism alone will not change the governing body's direction without a concrete alternative platform and a candidate capable of winning. Whether European federations can unite behind a viable contender before the autumn deadline remains the central test for Zurich's opposition.

Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com