Claude Le Roy launches scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino over World Cup controversies

Former Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has launched a fierce criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of putting personal interests ahead of the development of football.

The veteran French coach, who has managed several African national teams, expressed his disappointment over the controversies surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and questioned some of FIFA’s recent decisions, including the cancellation of the red card shown to United States defender Balogun.

In an interview, Le Roy also criticized Infantino’s relationship with African football and claimed the FIFA president portrays himself as the “saviour” of the continent.

“It’s not just about the World Cup, but also about the Africa Cup of Nations and his relationship with the Confederation of African Football. He sees himself as the saviour of Africa, something he wouldn’t dare do for a moment in the European Championship, the Copa America, or the Asian Cup,” Le Roy told French newspaper L’Équipe.

The former coach added that Infantino has too much influence over African football leaders and accused him of using the continent’s voting power to strengthen his position.

“He comes and sits at the top, he is the one who tells the head of state, ‘Come sit here,’ he is the one who distributes all the medals,” he added.

“He is exploiting the greed and avarice of many African federation presidents because he knows there are 54 votes in the upcoming elections. He is taking advantage of that. He is not seeking to achieve the required development and progress for the continent.”

Le Roy also questioned the silence of FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger, regarding Infantino’s decisions.

“I would like to know the opinion of Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s chief technical officer, on all these actions taken by Gianni Infantino in response to an invitation from Donald Trump,” he said.

The 77-year-old coach went further, describing his frustration with the current state of football governance and Infantino’s leadership.

“I am appalled by the image that professional football reflects today. I am horrified that this man is still at the head of FIFA. I don’t understand how we can accept that he is almost the only candidate in the upcoming elections.”

Le Roy acknowledged Infantino’s ability to speak multiple languages but questioned his impact on the sport.

“He has one advantage, which is his mastery of many languages, but he is a foolish linguist who poses a danger to football and has not offered anything positive at all, but has made this sport a disgrace in everyone’s eyes.”

He concluded by expressing concern over the public perception of football, claiming the sport’s image has been damaged by ongoing controversies.

“When you hear people talking about football today, in the street or among friends, they say it’s all shady deals. You can sell the card however you want, it’s enough to make a call. I am horrified by the image that football is projecting to the world at this time.”