GFA Withdraws Endorsement Of Gianni Infantino
The GFA has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for the 2027 FIFA presidency, saying recent concerns over FIFA’s governance have changed its position. The association says it has not backed any other candidate and will consider future candidates closer to the election.
A statement from the GFA follows below:
The Gibraltar Football Association has considered the developments of recent weeks concerning the governance of FIFA.
The Association previously expressed its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidature for a further term as FIFA President. That support was given in good faith and based on the circumstances prevailing at the time.
However, the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, and the serious questions that have arisen concerning the transparency, consultation and decision-making surrounding a proposal of such significance to world football, have materially changed our assessment. Our concerns were further heightened by the circumstances of Mr Kevin Lamour’s departure from FIFA and by what those circumstances suggest about the ability of senior officials to question decisions and raise legitimate concerns.
Accordingly, the Gibraltar FA has decided that it can no longer maintain its endorsement of Mr Infantino’s candidature for the 2027 FIFA presidential election. FIFA has been formally informed of that decision.
Decisions of fundamental importance to the future of football must be taken transparently, collectively and through the governance structures established for that purpose. Commercial revenues are important to the continued development of the game, but they must serve football rather than determine its direction.
Good governance also requires an environment in which those entrusted with responsibilities within the game can question, challenge and raise legitimate concerns.
Gibraltar is one of world football’s smaller Member Associations. We do not have the financial or political influence of football’s largest nations. Our protection lies in strong institutions, clear rules, transparency, consultation and collective decision-making. Small associations are sometimes expected to stay quiet on questions of this kind. We do not think that would be right here.
This decision should not be interpreted as support for any alternative candidate. The Gibraltar FA has not endorsed anyone else and will assess any candidates, their programmes and their approach to governance and the future development of world football at the appropriate time.
FIFA remains important to the development of football in Gibraltar, and we will continue to engage constructively with FIFA and its administration.
Our responsibility as a Member Association is to the game, and that is the basis on which this decision has been taken.
