Infantino urged to quit by Ballon d’Or winner after calling Fifa crisis meeting

WorldFootball
5 Aug 2026 • 10:18 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Infantino urged to quit by Ballon d’Or winner after calling Fifa crisis meeting

  • Former Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo has publicly called for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign, describing his recent actions as "the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour" he has ever witnessed in football.
  • Infantino is facing immense pressure after being forced to abandon controversial plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments to private investors, following widespread public uproar and a boycott threat from UEFA.
  • The Jordan FA president, Prince Ali bin Hussein, accused Infantino of "blackmail" over the proposed changes, adding to the growing criticism from within the football community.
  • Senior figures, including Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and Fifa's chief of global football development Arsene Wenger, have also criticised Infantino's proposals, with Wenger stating their abandonment was "absolutely necessary".
  • With the Football Association of Wales withdrawing support for his re-election and the Football Association expected to follow suit, Infantino is scheduled to meet with senior leaders of world football's governing body on Wednesday to defend his position.

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