Luis Figo demands Gianni Infantino resignation as FIFA crisis deepens over World Cup plan

Portugal legend Luís Figo has become the latest high-profile figure to demand Gianni Infantino’s resignation, accusing the FIFA president of damaging the credibility of football’s governing body following his controversial attempt to sell off the World Cup to private investors.

The former Luís Figo, regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation after decorated spells with Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF and Inter Milan, has joined a growing list of football figures calling for change at FIFA’s highest level.

Figo’s intervention comes after Infantino’s proposal to involve private investors in the World Cup was met with strong opposition from FIFA’s continental confederations, including UEFA, which reportedly threatened to boycott the tournament if the plan moved forward.

Figo launches fierce attack on FIFA leadership

In a strongly worded statement published on social media, Figo called on Infantino to step aside, claiming the FIFA president had failed to uphold the values expected of the organisation’s leader.

“Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President,” Figo said.

The former Ballon d’Or winner accused Infantino of undermining the position he holds and putting personal interests ahead of football’s wider good.

“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.”

Figo also claimed Infantino had lost backing from key figures within FIFA, including senior officials and advisers.

“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.”

He concluded his statement with a direct call for the FIFA chief to leave office.

“It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now.”

Pressure mounts as federations distance themselves

The criticism against Infantino has intensified after several football authorities moved away from supporting the proposal.

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who currently serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development, also distanced himself from the plan, insisting he was not involved in the project.

Meanwhile, UEFA has reportedly considered legal action over the proposal, while football associations in England and Wales are among the governing bodies that have withdrawn their support for Infantino.

The growing opposition represents one of the strongest challenges to Infantino’s leadership since he became FIFA president in 2016.