Former Portugal captain Luis Figo on Wednesday demanded the resignation of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, branding him “deceitful” over a collapsed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup.
Figo said Infantino had lost the moral authority to lead world football after the controversial proposal was abandoned in the face of widespread opposition.
FIFA had sought to sell a 20 percent stake in the tournament through a private investment vehicle known as FIFA Forward Enterprise. Three continental confederations rejected the idea, forcing the governing body to withdraw it.
In a column for the Daily Mail, Figo wrote: “I could write 10,000 words on the problems at FIFA. But the solution needs only three: Infantino must go.”
“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.”
He accused Infantino of trying to force through major changes for personal benefit.
“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,” Figo said.
Infantino had argued the private investment would deliver greater returns for FIFA’s 211 member associations, but critics said national associations were not properly consulted. Concerns were also raised that the move could eventually lead to more frequent World Cups.
Figo, who briefly contested the FIFA presidency in 2015, added: “Infantino has debased the office of FIFA president 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.”
“It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now.”
