The Irish Football Association (IFA) announced it will not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president next year, stating it is “time for change” within the organization’s leadership.

Infantino has faced heightened scrutiny following his controversial attempt to sell a 21% stake in FIFA’s commercial operations to a private investment firm.

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Widespread criticism halted these plans, with UEFA even threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions in response.

Previously, the IFA, which governs football in Northern Ireland, had previously backed UEFA’s stance but did not officially withdraw their support until now, citing Infantino’s proposals as raising “fundamental questions” about his presidency.

In a formal statement, the IFA expressed that “the proposal to sell part of FIFA’s assets to a private equity firm without consultation represents more than a failure of communication. In our view, it raises fundamental questions about strategy, governance and stewardship of our assets.” It concluded with a call for change.

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Other football associations from England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have previously publicly withdrawn support for Infantino, who is set to run for a fourth term as president in March.

Should Infantino win this election, his presidency will extend to 15 years by the conclusion of his term in 2031.

The Irish Football Association says it is “time for change” at Fifa and they will not be voting for president Gianni Infantino’s re-election next year.

Infantino has been under increasing scrutiny since his aborted attempt to sell off a 21% stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to a private investment company.

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The plans were scrapped after widespread criticism, with Uefa threatening a boycott of all Fifa competitions.

The IFA, the governing body for football in Northern Ireland, had previously backed Uefa’s stance without formally withdrawing their support, but have now said Infantino’s plan raised “fundamental questions” of the president.

It said in a statement: “The proposal to sell part of Fifa’s assets to a private equity firm without consultation, represents more than a failure of communication. In our view, it raises fundamental questions about strategy, governance and stewardship of our assets.

“We believe the time has come for change.”

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The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have previously publicly withdrawn support for Infantino, who is scheduled to stand for a fourth term as president in March.

Should the 56-year-old Swiss be successful, by the end of the term in 2031, his tenure will have been extended to 15 years.