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Germany's football governing body, the DFB, has declined to back FIFA President Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election ahead of next year's vote.
Infantino has faced repeated criticism throughout his tenure, but this summer's World Cup held across North America has drawn even greater scrutiny toward the FIFA chief.
Among the many controversies making headlines is FIFA's decision to lift the suspension of USMNT forward Folarin Balogun. The striker had been set to sit out the round of 16 clash against Belgium after receiving a red card in the prior match, but following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Infantino, he was permitted to play for the United States.
The extraordinary and deeply divisive ruling has heaped pressure on Infantino, who also holds a seat on the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Human rights group FairSquare has already filed a complaint against the FIFA President with the IOC, citing an alleged violation of rules on political neutrality.
Infantino's troubles have continued to mount. BILD reports that the DFB, led by President Bernd Neuendorf, chose not to sign a letter of endorsement for his re-election at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 18, 2027 — a letter that had been circulated by FIFA's European director, Elkhan Mammadov, during the World Cup.
How Will the DFB's Decision Affect FIFA Elections?
Although the DFB has withheld its support and effectively distanced itself from Infantino, the 56-year-old faces little real threat to his re-election prospects at next year's FIFA Congress. Continental confederations across Africa, Asia, and South America have already declared their backing for Infantino, who is widely anticipated to secure another four-year term at the helm of world football's governing body.
Infantino announced his intention to seek re-election during the 76th FIFA Congress in April, marking a decade since he was first voted into the role.
"I want to tell you first—the 211 [FIFA] Member Associations—that I will be [a] candidate for the election of FIFA President next year," he said. "Thank you for your support over the last 10 years, your support today, your work, your progress, your love for the game, your commitment and your passion."
The overturning of Balogun's ban is far from the only flashpoint at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA's implementation of dynamic ticket pricing has driven costs to extreme levels, sparking widespread fan outrage and damaging the tournament's reputation. An initial prohibition on reusable water bottles inside venues also drew significant backlash, though the decision was swiftly reversed.
Further blemishes on this summer's tournament include the handling of the Iran national team amid the ongoing tensions with the United States, as well as Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry into the country.