‘Infantino must go’, Figo demands FIFA president’s resignation
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineFormer Real Madrid and Barcelona star Luis Figo has called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, describing him as “deceitful” amid mounting pressure over the abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
Infantino has faced a fierce backlash over his FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which sought to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup to private equity investors.
The proposal was rejected by three continental confederations, forcing the 56-year-old FIFA chief to abandon the plan.
Infantino subsequently held emergency talks with other FIFA directors in Morocco on Wednesday in an attempt to rebuild support, a source told AFP.
Figo, however, said Infantino should leave his position, accusing him of damaging the organisation he leads.
“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.
The former Portugal international, who enjoyed a 20-year professional playing career, said the developments surrounding the proposal represented a new low for football administration.
“I have loved football all my life. I was a professional player for 20 years. And believe me, I have met some rogues in my time in the game.
“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.
“The man who would do that -– the man who would try to force through such major changes just to enrich himself and his friends -– is a relic of the game’s past and should have no part in its future.”
Infantino also faced criticism over his attempt to push through the deal without consulting football associations around the world, alongside concerns over potentially staging an expanded World Cup every two years instead of every four.
Several senior FIFA figures, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, have also criticised Infantino’s conduct.
Figo, who withdrew from the FIFA presidential race in 2015, insisted Infantino should resign immediately rather than wait for his attempt to secure re-election next year.
“Infantino has debased the office of FIFA president that he promised to elevate,” Figo said.
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“He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.”
The 53-year-old also claimed the FIFA president had lost support within and outside the organisation.
“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 (US president Donald Trump).
“It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now.”
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