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The German Football Association (DFB) has opted not to endorse FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, signalling deepening divisions between European football authorities and the global governing body. The move comes amid increasing controversy surrounding FIFA’s disciplinary procedures and allegations of political interference during recent international tournaments.

Widening divide over FIFA leadership

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has been steadily distancing himself from Infantino’s leadership. As reported by Bild, Neuendorf declined to sign a document supporting Infantino’s candidacy for re-election at the FIFA Congress scheduled to take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat. During the World Cup in North America, a FIFA official was reportedly seeking endorsements from 16 European football associations for Infantino’s continuation as president.

Confirming its position to SID, the DFB released an official statement: “The DFB has not signed a letter of support for the re-election of Gianni Infantino,” the organisation clarified, adding that “further steps will be discussed in the DFB presidential board.”

Balogun disciplinary saga intensifies friction

Tensions between the DFB, UEFA, and FIFA have escalated following the Folarin Balogun case. UEFA sharply criticised FIFA’s handling of the matter, stating that a clear boundary had been crossed. Neuendorf told SID that “this process must not be filed away,” indicating that the issue remains unresolved.

The controversy revolves around FIFA’s decision to allow United States forward Folarin Balogun to feature in the round of 16 match against Belgium — which ended in a 4-1 defeat — despite his red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The disciplinary committee overturned his suspension after a phone call from Donald Trump to Infantino, requesting a review of the case. However, both the committee and Infantino have firmly denied that external pressure influenced the final ruling.

Human rights complaint filed with the IOC

Although European football bodies are increasingly resisting Infantino’s leadership, he continues to enjoy robust backing from other continental confederations and remains the favourite to win another term extending to 2031. Nonetheless, his close political associations have drawn sharp criticism. Human rights organisation FairSquare has lodged a detailed 10-page complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against Infantino, who is an active IOC member.

The complaint accuses him of breaching IOC’s strict neutrality rules, particularly highlighting his close ties with Donald Trump. The outcome of this complaint may present significant challenges to what had previously appeared to be an unassailable re-election campaign for Infantino.

Next steps in FIFA’s political landscape

The DFB’s presidential board is expected to convene soon to finalise its voting stance ahead of the 2027 FIFA Congress. Meanwhile, UEFA officials are likely to continue observing the progress of the IOC’s investigation into Infantino. As the March 2027 election nears, European football associations face a pivotal decision — whether to coordinate a collective opposition or to accept the current leadership structure for another four-year term.