FIFA: Gibraltar Football Association withdraws support for Gianni Infantino

Another supporter slips away from Gianni Infantino in the race for the FIFA presidency. The Gibraltar Football Association announced on Monday, August 24, 2026, that it is withdrawing its endorsement of the incumbent president, after reassessing its position in light of recent developments within world football’s governing body.

The Gibraltar FA explained that its decision came after reviewing the controversies surrounding FIFA’s governance in recent weeks. The association recalled that it had initially backed Infantino’s candidacy "in good faith" and based on the circumstances prevailing at the time. However, the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal has fundamentally changed its assessment of the situation.

In its statement, the association said it now has "serious questions" about transparency, federation consultation, and the decision-making process around this project, which is presented as crucial for the future of world football. Its concerns were further heightened by the circumstances of Kevin Lamour’s departure from FIFA. For Gibraltar, this episode raises doubts about whether officials within the organization can "question decisions and express legitimate concerns."

The federation thus emphasized its vision of football governance. "Fundamental decisions for the future of football must be taken transparently, collectively, and through the established governance bodies," it stated. It also stressed that commercial revenues should support the development of football without dictating its direction.

Gibraltar clarified, however, that this withdrawal does not amount to backing any other candidate. "The Gibraltar Football Association has not given its support to any other candidate," the statement read. The association intends to review the candidates and their programs at a later stage before possibly taking a new position.

This decision comes amid mounting opposition to Gianni Infantino. Several federations and confederations have already voiced reservations about his leadership and the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. Gibraltar now joins this wave of dissent, though without severing ties with the global body: the federation says it will continue to work with FIFA for the development of football in its territory.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for 2027. Until then, every new withdrawal of support could weigh on Infantino’s campaign, as debates over governance and the future economic direction of world football gain increasing significance.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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