FFF still wants FIFA governance reform, Diallo not set to back Gianni Infantino | OneFootball

The French Football Federation has yet to set an official stance for next March’s FIFA election, but it remains opposed to Gianni Infantino’s leadership. According to L'Équipe, Philippe Diallo is not, as it stands, set to vote for Infantino.

The rift followed Infantino’s now-abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. On 30 July the 55 European associations unanimously threatened to boycott the 2030 World Cup if the proposal stayed in place.

Positions vary across federations. The Netherlands say they will not vote for him, Norway has called for his resignation, while Germany, England, Wales, Scotland, Serbia, Sweden, Ireland and Finland have withdrawn support without stating how they will vote. Italy and Spain have yet to declare, and a majority remain undeclared.

Diallo, typically cautious, has not spoken since comments on 29 July. He plans to consult the FFF executive committee on 8 September before firming a stance, and for now France will still play the U20 Women’s World Cup starting on 5 September.

In late July Diallo argued FIFA’s governance needs revisiting, citing controversies such as what he described as Balogun’s World Cup red card being overturned at Donald Trump’s request, talk of moving to 64 teams in 2030 after 48, and complex financing. He said only greater clarity, democracy and transparency can underpin a more exacting relationship with FIFA.

Diallo will attend the Champions League draw on 27 August, where the future of Gianni Infantino is sure to be discussed.

Source: L'Équipe

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