Luis Figo tells Infantino to resign over world cup private investment debacle
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign immediately following the collapse of the organisation’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the former Portugal international said Infantino had lied, lost the support of his senior staff and inflicted repeated damage on football’s reputation. “None of this comes as a surprise when you consider the litany of abuses he has inflicted on football’s reputation; from suspending and reversing disciplinary decisions to breaking the laws of the game over a half-time show, nothing gets in the way of pleasing his friends,” Figo said.
He added that Infantino had “lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.” Figo concluded that it was too late to save the president’s dignity but not too late to save football, and that Infantino should leave now.
The demand follows Infantino’s failed attempt to sell a stake in a company that would have overseen the commercial and operational sides of FIFA tournaments. The proposal triggered strong opposition, including a threat from UEFA to boycott FIFA events if the scheme proceeded. FIFA eventually abandoned the plan.
Figo’s intervention adds a high-profile former player’s voice to the growing institutional pressure. The core issue is not merely one rejected commercial idea but a pattern of decisions that critics say prioritise personal and political relationships over transparent governance. Loss of senior staff confidence compounds the problem. When those closest to the daily running of the organisation withdraw support, the president’s ability to command internal legitimacy weakens.
Whether Infantino can rebuild that confidence or whether further calls for accountability will force a change remains the central question. Figo’s position is unambiguous: the damage is already done and the only remaining step is resignation. The response from FIFA’s governing structures will determine if the demand gains wider traction or remains an isolated high-profile criticism.
