France not to back FIFA president in upcoming election

The French Football Federation (FFF) does not plan to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the upcoming election for the organisation’s presidency, L'Équipe reports.

According to the report, the final decision will be announced on 10 September following a meeting of the federation’s executive committee.

The controversy surrounding Infantino emerged after he announced plans shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup to sell part of FIFA’s rights to third-party investors.

The move drew a negative reaction from the football community and prompted threats to boycott the 2030 World Cup.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) accused Infantino of misleading them over the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which was aimed at selling rights.

FIFA abandoned the plan following a wave of criticism and opposition to the project.

Several countries have already withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov