FAI withdraws support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Kenneth Fox

The FAI has expressed "significant concerns" regarding governance at FIFA.

The association has confirmed that it has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino to be re-elected as FIFA President.

Infantino has been under pressure following his botched plans to sell stakes in major FIFA tournaments - including the World Cup.

Earlier this month, UEFA confirmed it had "lost confidence" in the FIFA chief, with the English and Wales FAs also withdrawing their support.

In a statement released on Thursday: "Following an FAI Board Meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year. It has since written to FIFA to explain its reasoning.

"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."