Germany withdraws support for Infantino ahead of 2027 FIFA election

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially distanced itself from Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election, set for March 18, 2027 in Rabat. Its president, Bernd Neuendorf, confirmed to newspaper Bild that he refused to sign a letter of support for the Swiss leader, the only candidate in the running at this stage.

This withdrawal comes amid repeated controversies surrounding Infantino. In recent months, the FIFA chief presented a “Peace Prize” to US President Donald Trump on live television, publicly regretting that the latter had not received the Nobel Peace Prize. He also found himself at the center of the Folarin Balogun affair during the 2026 World Cup, before the announcement of a halftime show lasting at least twenty minutes at the final — modeled on the Super Bowl — sparked fresh criticism from several federations.

Financially, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a triumph for Infantino: economic returns are estimated at around 17 billion euros, compared to 11 billion for the 2022 Qatar edition.

Rumors suggest the possibility that other European nations may follow Germany’s lead. These defections remain marginal, however: Infantino enjoys massive support from African, South American and Asian federations. In France, FFF president Philippe Diallo appears inclined to back his candidacy. With no declared rival in sight, the Swiss remains the overwhelming favorite for his own succession. A new mandate would keep him at the helm of the organization until 2031.