Former Portugal forward Luis Figo has publicly called for the resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, intensifying the pressure on the embattled leader. Writing in the Daily Mail on Wednesday, Figo stated that the solution to FIFA's ongoing problems can be summarized in three words: "Infantino must go."
The demand follows a major backlash against Infantino’s controversial plan to sell a 20 percent stake in the World Cup to private equity investors through his FIFA Forward Enterprise. The proposal, which Infantino defended as a way to increase revenue for member nations, was rejected by three continental confederations and faced widespread condemnation from senior officials, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Following the intense criticism, the FIFA chief was forced to abandon the initiative.
Figo, who withdrew from the 2015 FIFA presidential race, did not hold back in his assessment of the current leadership. "I have met some rogues in my time in the game," the 53-year-old wrote. "But what I have seen exposed in the last 10 days is the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed." He further argued that the individual who attempted to force through such changes for personal gain is a "relic of the game's past" who should have no role in its future.
According to reports, Infantino held emergency talks with FIFA directors in Morocco on Wednesday in an effort to regain support. However, Figo insists that the president should step down immediately rather than waiting for next year's re-election cycle. Figo accused Infantino of lying and deceiving, stating that he has lost the support of senior staff, close advisers, and the majority of those who dedicate their lives to the sport. "It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now," Figo concluded.
The 56-year-old wanted to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup to private equity investors through his FIFA Forward Enterprise.
"I could write 10,000 words on the problems at FIFA. But the solution needs only three: Infantino must go," Figo wrote in the Daily Mail on Wednesday.
