France’s football leaders have proposed to seek ways to transform how Fifa is run after its national association became the latest to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s presidency.
On Thursday, the French Football Federation (FFF) followed England, Italy, Republic of Ireland and Scotland in withdrawing support for Infantino over his aborted plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions – including the World Cup – to private investors.
The FFF had pledged its support for Infantino in June before his investment proposal came to light.
Infantino’s plan sparked a global outcry, with European football’s governing body Uefa threatening to boycott all Fifa competitions.
Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation and North American governing body Concacaf have called for Infaninto to step down, though he retains the backing of South America’s Conmebol and African governing body CAF.
Fifa has confirmed Infantino will stand for a fourth term in the Fifa presidential election in March.
“A project with such a significant impact on the future of football could not be envisaged without comprehensive information, in-depth consultation and a fully transparent decision-making process,” FFF president Philippe Diallo said in a statement.
“Fifa’s governance does not live up to the standards that football represents.”
Despite Infantino abandoning his proposal, the FFF said that “Fifa’s governance cannot be considered resolved”.
The FFF has pledged to start consultations with confederations, national associations, players, supporters and governance experts about reforming Fifa.
“The aim of these consultations will be to foster collective reflection and to draw up proposals for a far-reaching transformation of Fifa’s governance, with a view to restoring confidence, enhancing transparency and ensuring the independence and exemplary conduct of world football’s governing body,” the FFF said.
“The FFF, a founding member of Fifa, thus intends to contribute to a debate that is vital for the future of football, its regulation and its development.”
