Luis Figo becomes first football icon to call for Infantino resignation
Luis Figo has publicly urged Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA president, intensifying pressure on the under-fire administrator amid growing criticism of his leadership.
Former Portugal captain Luis Figo has become the first high-profile former player to call for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing him of damaging football’s integrity through what he described as dishonest and self-serving leadership. His comments add to mounting criticism surrounding FIFA’s governance.
Figo, who backed Infantino during the 2016 FIFA presidential election after withdrawing his own candidacy, said the Swiss official had betrayed the trust placed in him.
He criticised the abandoned World Cup investment proposal and alleged repeated governance failures under the current administration.
The remarks come as Infantino reportedly holds crisis discussions in Rabat to address growing opposition from several football bodies following the collapse of the controversial World Cup commercial rights proposal. The plan triggered widespread backlash over transparency and FIFA’s direction.
UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister also insisted efforts to reform football governance would continue until leadership changes are made, arguing the latest controversy reflects a wider pattern of concerns over FIFA’s administration.
Several national associations have already withdrawn their support for Infantino’s re-election bid.
Pressure on Infantino has intensified in recent days, with criticism emerging from former allies, national federations and senior football figures, leaving uncertainty over whether he can retain sufficient backing ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election.
