Football: Football Association of Ireland withdraws Infantino support
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced, on 13 August 2026, that it has officially withdrawn its support for the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and the Northern Irish Football Association (IFA) has confirmed that it is supporting the stance taken by UEFA.
Last week, the Welsh and English Football Associations withdrew their support of Infantino.
The FAI stated as follows:
"Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year."
And added as follows:
"The Association is grateful for the support that FIFA provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. Considering the governance challenges that the FAI has had to overcome in recent years, the Association feels a particular obligation to advocate for and uphold best practice."
The IFA stated as follows:
"We take our responsibilities as a member association of both UEFA and FIFA seriously …. [and] …. [w]e support the current UEFA position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance.”
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