FAW Chief Noel Mooney Calls on Gianni Infantino to Step Down

Posted : 19 August 2026

Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, arguing that the controversy surrounding his leadership has damaged football.

Mooney, who previously worked with Infantino at UEFA, said he believes the FIFA president should consider leaving office despite the withdrawal of the controversial proposal to bring private investment into World Cup commercial rights. FIFA abandoned the plan on July 31 following widespread opposition from football authorities.

The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise would have created a commercial structure involving private investors and given them a stake in revenues linked to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions. The initiative triggered strong criticism over transparency, governance and the potential commercialization of football's most important tournament.

Mooney believes the fallout has caused enough damage for Infantino to reconsider his position. He praised some aspects of Infantino's work at both UEFA and FIFA but said the attempted sell-off represented a serious problem for the sport.

Wales has already taken a significant step by becoming the first British home nation to withdraw its support for Infantino's bid to continue as FIFA president. The FAW has made its opposition to his continued leadership clear as pressure grows ahead of the next presidential election.

The controversy has extended beyond Wales. UEFA has declared that it has no confidence in Infantino's leadership, while opposition has also emerged from other major football bodies. The backlash has intensified further after FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour left the organization following his public criticism of the failed investment proposal.

Mooney also called for a broader examination of FIFA's governance, decision-making procedures and organizational structures. He suggested that the controversy should prompt football authorities to consider whether the current system provides sufficient accountability.

Infantino remains under mounting pressure as opposition groups attempt to force a change in FIFA leadership. However, he continues to receive support from several national associations, meaning the battle over his future is far from settled.

FAW Chief Noel Mooney Calls on Gianni Infantino to Step Down

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