FAI rescinds backing for Fifa president Gianni Infantino

The Football Association of Ireland has officially withdrawn its support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino in a letter to Fifa, the FAI confirmed on 13 August 2026. Northern Ireland’s Irish Football Association said it supports Uefa’s position on the matter but has not formally rescinded its backing.

The move follows a week of high-profile criticism of Infantino after an attempt to sell a stake in Fifa's commercial operations to a private investment company was abandoned. On Monday, Uefa, together with Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, signed an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust "through deception". Last week the Welsh FA became the first home nation to withdraw support, with the FA following days later, and the episode has left Infantino's bid for a fourth term at the head of world football in a perilous state.

The FAI said the decision to rescind its earlier endorsement came after a board meeting. "Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year," it confirmed.

Northern Ireland’s governing body acknowledged wider unease in the football community while stopping short of a formal withdrawal. "We take our responsibilities as a member association of both Uefa and Fifa seriously," said an IFA spokesperson. "We support the current Uefa position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance. "We are of course aware of the recent developments and wider concerns within the football community. We are considering these matters carefully and will continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures and channels. "At this stage, we have no further comment."

The FAI had previously indicated support for Infantino prior to the post-World Cup controversy, the association acknowledged in its statement.

"It has since written to Fifa to explain its reasoning. "The Association is grateful for the support that Fifa provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. "Considering the governance challenges that the FAI has had to overcome in recent years, the Association feels a particular obligation to advocate for and uphold best practice."