Ireland withdraws support for Infantino's re-election at FIFA

The Irish Football Association (IFA) has announced it will not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for a new term as FIFA president in next year’s election. In a statement, the Irish federation justified its position by stating it is “time for change” within the world football governing body. ### A Call for Renewal The IFA’s decision comes as the incumbent president, Gianni Infantino, seeks a third consecutive term. The Irish federation believes FIFA’s governance requires evolution but did not specify the exact reasons for its disagreement with the institution’s current policies. This stance places Ireland among the first federations to publicly challenge Infantino’s re-election, whose current term runs until 2026. No other European federation has yet taken a similar official position. ### A Strong Political Signal Ahead of Elections The announcement comes just months before FIFA’s presidential election, scheduled for 2025. Ireland has thus become the first UEFA member to publicly oppose Infantino’s re-election, even as several African and Asian federations have already expressed support for the incumbent president. FIFA, contacted by the BBC, has not yet responded to the statement. In the coming months, other federations may take a stance as debates on the governance of world football intensify. With this decision, Ireland sends a clear message in favor of a transition at the top of FIFA.