A global coalition of soccer fan associations initiated a petition on Thursday demanding the resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino following his proposal to hand over future World Cup revenues to private investors. The petition, labeled InfantinOut, also advocates for a complete overhaul of FIFA to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Characterizing Infantino’s actions as a “shameful attempt” to commercialize the World Cup at the expense of football’s integrity, the petition condemned his now-abandoned endeavor as a betrayal that will forever tarnish the sport. Notable signatories to the petition include Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, the Independent Supporters Council of North America, and approximately 40 national fan groups globally.
Despite mounting pressure from various football governing bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, Infantino has remained defiant, refusing to step down. The petition denounces his leadership as a failure incompatible with democratic principles, citing concerns over centralized power, lack of transparency, and a culture of impunity within FIFA.
Highlighting previous contentious decisions by Infantino, such as the European Super League debacle and advocating for biennial World Cups, the petition argues that his continued presence jeopardizes FIFA’s credibility and the future of the sport. It concludes by calling for Infantino’s resignation to restore trust in the governing body and safeguard football’s integrity.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Infantino’s actions has prompted key figures within FIFA, like Carlos Cordeiro, to resign in protest against the perceived commercialization of the World Cup. Infantino’s proposal to involve private investors in FIFA’s commercial ventures has sparked widespread backlash, with the possibility of European nations boycotting future World Cup events as a consequence.