Michel Platini urges Gianni Infantino to quit after accusing FIFA president of breaking football’s rules

Michel Platini has called on Gianni Infantino to leave his position as FIFA president, accusing his former UEFA colleague of failing in his responsibility to protect the laws of football.

The former UEFA president made the comments during an appearance on the Canal Football Club programme, where he openly criticised Infantino and questioned the direction of football’s governing institutions.

Platini and Infantino worked together at UEFA in the past, but their relationship has since completely broken down. Platini has recently brought legal proceedings against the FIFA president, alleging “influence peddling”, “conspiracy to commit defamation” and “defamation”.

Speaking about Infantino, who previously served as his assistant at UEFA, Platini said: “He was, to some extent, but he was under someone above him. I always knew that he was fond of money and power.”

Platini’s comments came amid continuing tensions surrounding FIFA and its president. However, his criticism extended beyond Infantino personally, with the Frenchman questioning whether the people who occupy senior positions in football administration should be regarded as the sport’s true leaders.

“I think football is a beautiful celebration, it is something important. Football is about matches… This is politics. It is a microcosm of people who believe they are the rulers of football. But the rulers of football are people like Mbappe, Zidane and Maradona,” he said.

Platini then turned his attention to the role played by administrators, arguing that the game should be led by those who have played it rather than by officials who rise through football’s governing bodies.

“They are bureaucrats who reach certain positions, gain glory and money, and then lose it. We need players,” he added.

His assessment of Infantino was particularly direct. Referring to the FIFA president’s responsibility for ensuring that football’s rules are respected, Platini said: “He has failed, because he is the guarantor of the laws of the game. He did not respect them, he must leave.”

The remarks represent a further escalation in the dispute between the two men. Once colleagues within UEFA, Platini and Infantino are now involved in a legal conflict, while Platini has become an outspoken critic of the current FIFA administration.

The former France international previously led UEFA and remains one of the most prominent figures in European football. His latest intervention places renewed focus on Infantino’s leadership of FIFA and on the influence of administrators compared with the players who define the sport on the pitch.

The subject has also been opened up for further discussion on the Kooora forums, where football news and related issues are debated in greater depth.