Paris, Sept. 10 (SANA)The French Football Federation (FFF) has withdrawn its support forGianni Infantino’s bid for re-election asFIFApresident in 2027, citing concerns over governance and decision-making within world football’s governing body.

FFF President Philippe Diallo said the federation’s executive committee had approved the decision unanimously.

“The trust placed in the FIFA president has been broken,” Diallo told reporters Thursday. “The way in which we envisage the running of world football no longer corresponds with the way it is being conducted.”

France had backed Infantino’s candidacy in late June, when he was the only declared contender, but Diallo said subsequent developments had fundamentally changed the circumstances.

“The conditions for our support for his candidacy were no longer there,” he said.

Infantino has faced mounting criticism since FIFA abandoned a proposal in July to sell private investors a 20% stake in competitions including the World Cup.

Several European federations, including those of England and Italy, have also withdrawn their support for Infantino. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF are seeking an alternative candidate ahead of the election.

Diallo said France’s decision was part of a broader movement seeking governance reform and a candidate capable of challenging Infantino.

“It is not enough simply to criticise if you want things to move forward. You also have to make proposals,” he said.

Infantino retains the support of the African Football Confederation and South American confederation CONMEBOL.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. The deadline for submitting candidacies is Nov. 18.