Real Madrid and Portugal legend Luís Figo has called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, slamming his controversial attempt to sell World Cup stakes to private equity as deceitful self-interest
This follows a wave of backlash, lost support from national federations, and scrutiny surrounding FIFA leadership.
The proposal was heavily condemned by global confederations, leading UEFA and other associations to threaten boycotts and withdraw support for Infantino’s upcoming re-election bid.
Senior advisers and staff, including Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest over the direction of the leadership. However, in a chat with Daily Mail, Figo stated that Infantino has lost the backing of his senior staff, close advisers, and the global football community.
He declared that “it is too late to save his dignity, but it is not too late to save football” and insisted that Infantino must step down now.
“Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President. Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate. He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.
“He has lost the support of his senior staff, his closest advisers, the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport and even, it would seem, the FIFA Peace Prize winner. It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now.”