German Football Federation does not support Infantino for re-election at FIFA

German Football Federation does not support Infantino for re-election at FIFA

According to Championat.

Context

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president since 2016, seeks a new mandate in a scenario of growing opposition. The position of the DFB, led by Bernd Neuendorf, reflects discontent with the current administration of FIFA, which could have significant repercussions for the governance of international football.

Why this matters

The German Football Federation's (DFB) decision not to support Gianni Infantino for re-election at FIFA highlights growing discontent with the organization's management. This move could influence other federations to reconsider their support, especially at a time when FIFA faces criticism over its transparency and controversial decisions such as the suspension of Folarin Balogun.

Main conclusions

• German Football Federation does not support Infantino for re-election at FIFA.
• The DFB has distanced itself from Gianni Infantino, especially after controversies involving player Folarin Balogun, and will not support his re-election at FIFA.
• Немецкий футбольный союз не поддержал Инфантино по переизбранию президентом ФИФА — Bild.

The German Football Association (DFB) has taken a firm stance and decided not to sign a letter that would support Gianni Infantino's candidacy for a second term as FIFA president. This information was revealed by the German newspaper Bild. This decision comes at a time when the DFB has distanced itself from Infantino, in part due to recent controversies involving controversial decisions within international football. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf expressed his dissatisfaction with the way FIFA has managed certain situations, especially after the case of Folarin Balogun, a striker for the United States national team. Balogun's suspension was lifted, allowing him to play in the round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup against Belgium, which ended in a 4-1 victory for the Belgians. This episode generated criticism and questions about the transparency and fairness of FIFA's decisions. Gianni Infantino, who has been head of FIFA since 2016, has already announced his intentions to run again for the position. Candidates for the next FIFA elections can be submitted until November 18th, and voting will take place on the same date in Rabat, Morocco. The DFB's decision not only reflects discontent with FIFA's current management, but may also influence other countries to reconsider their support for Infantino. The relationship between the DFB and FIFA has deteriorated in recent years, mainly due to issues relating to the organization of tournaments and the conduct of administrative matters. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the DFB appears to be adopting a more critical and cautious stance towards the direction FIFA is taking under Infantino's leadership. This situation could create a climate of uncertainty for the future of international football, especiallywith the World Cup about to take place in three countries. The election for the FIFA presidency is a crucial event, and the DFB's decision could be just the beginning of a series of questions about Infantino's leadership and his vision for world football. The football community will closely monitor developments in this situation, which promises to impact FIFA and its relations with federations around the world.

What happens next

With the FIFA elections approaching, where candidacies can be submitted until November 18, the DFB may be signaling a change in stance that could impact the dynamics of the votes. The relationship between the DFB and FIFA, already deteriorating, could lead to greater pressure on Infantino, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.