The Irish Football Association says it is time for new leadership at Fifa and will not support Gianni Infantino’s re-election next year.
Infantino has faced mounting criticism after a failed bid to sell a 21% stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to a private investment firm. The proposal was dropped following widespread backlash, including Uefa’s threat to boycott Fifa competitions.
The IFA, which had aligned with Uefa without formally withdrawing its backing, now says the episode raises fundamental concerns about strategy, governance, and the stewardship of Fifa’s assets, particularly given the lack of consultation.
The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have already publicly withdrawn their support. Infantino, 56, intends to run for a fourth term in March; if re-elected, he would remain in office until 2031, extending his tenure to 15 years.