The pressure surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino continues to intensify after Portugal legend Luis Figo publicly called for his resignation in the wake of the governing body’s failed attempt to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.
Figo, one of football’s most decorated and respected figures, has become the latest high-profile voice to question Infantino’s leadership, as opposition continues to grow across the global football landscape.
The former Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan star joins an expanding list of football administrators, former players and governing bodies who believe FIFA’s leadership has suffered a significant credibility crisis following the controversial proposal.
The investment plan, which sought to introduce private equity into the commercial structure of football’s biggest tournament, ultimately collapsed after fierce resistance from major football confederations.
UEFA led the opposition, warning that it was prepared to boycott FIFA competitions should the proposal move forward, while other continental governing bodies also voiced strong objections.
The failed initiative has triggered one of the most turbulent periods of Infantino’s presidency, with criticism now extending well beyond football administrators.
Adding further weight to the backlash, a senior FIFA official recently distanced himself from the proposal, signalling that concerns about the direction of the organization are not limited to external stakeholders.
Against that backdrop, Figo delivered one of the strongest condemnations yet.
In a sharply worded statement shared on social media, the former Ballon d’Or winner insisted that Infantino’s position had become untenable.
“Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President.”
Figo then questioned the FIFA president’s stewardship of world football, arguing that the office had lost both credibility and trust under his leadership.
“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.”
The Portuguese icon also claimed that support for Infantino had diminished dramatically within football’s highest circles.
“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 [Donald Trump].”
Figo concluded his statement with a direct appeal for immediate change at the top of FIFA.
“It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now.”
The comments represent another significant setback for Infantino, whose leadership has faced mounting scrutiny since the collapse of the proposed investment project.
What initially appeared to be an ambitious commercial restructuring has instead evolved into one of the biggest governance controversies in FIFA’s recent history.
Critics argue that the proposal lacked transparency and failed to adequately involve key football stakeholders before being introduced.
For many within the game, the issue extends beyond the investment proposal itself.
The debate has evolved into broader concerns over governance, accountability and the future direction of football’s global governing body.
Figo’s intervention carries particular significance given his stature within world football.
Having enjoyed a glittering career at some of Europe’s biggest clubs while remaining one of Portugal’s greatest-ever players, his opinion resonates across generations of supporters and football executives alike.
As pressure continues to build from former players, national associations and continental confederations, attention now turns to FIFA’s next move.
Whether Infantino can rebuild confidence ahead of the organization’s next presidential cycle remains uncertain, but calls for change are becoming louder with each passing day.
For now, football’s governance debate shows no signs of slowing, and Figo’s intervention has added another influential voice to a movement demanding accountability at the highest level of the sport.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
