FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has been criticised for an alleged $4 billion commercialisation plan, has reportedly sought US President Donald Trumpโs aid amid mounting criticism.
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The FIFA boss allegedly planned to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors, reportedly to Trumpโs relatives and people from known circles.
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Reports on Monday suggested that Infantino repeatedly tried and failed to reach Trump by phone since the proposal collapsed on Friday.
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Surrounded by overwhelming criticism, the FIFA chief has been under pressure over his plan, though many believe he did it to please US President Donald Trump.
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โThe Football Association of England and Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027โ2031 term,โ the Welsh FA said in a statement.
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โThe recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.
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โFailing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,โ he said.
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Besides England and Wales, regional confederations for Europe (UEFA) and North and Central America (CONCACAF) said they have lost faith in Infantino as leader.
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FIFAโs plan to unlock up to $4.2bn from private investors by selling a roughly 20 per cent stake in a new entity overseeing competitions, including the World Cup, ended in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders.
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With the growing criticism from the member states, Infantinoโs bid to secure another term as president is also facing growing scrutiny following the failed initiative.
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Both Trump and Infantino have come close during recent times, with the duo appearing together at major football events, including this yearโs World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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