Luis Figo joins calls for Infantino to resign amid FIFA backlash

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

Former World Footballer of the Year Luis Figo has publicly called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, criticizing his handling of a controversial $20 billion World Cup investment plan that sparked widespread opposition and was subsequently withdrawn. The backlash from major football bodies, including UEFA and senior FIFA officials, threatens Infantino's leadership ahead of his upcoming re-election bid and underscores growing demands for governance reforms within the organization.

Luis Figo, former World Footballer of the Year, has joined growing calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign amid widespread criticism over a controversial World Cup investment plan. In a column published Wednesday, Figo condemned Infantino’s conduct during his tenure, describing it as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour” he has witnessed in his two decades involved in professional football.

The backlash stems from FIFA’s announcement last week of a plan to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a company intended to manage commercial rights and tournament operations, including permitting private investors to acquire a 20% stake. Valued at $20 billion, the proposal triggered immediate concerns within the football community for its potential implications. The investment plan was officially withdrawn early Saturday following intense opposition from key stakeholders.

UEFA, one of FIFA’s most influential confederations, expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino and FIFA itself, warning that it could boycott FIFA events if the plan proceeded. UEFA also indicated it is “actively considering” legal action. Other football associations and confederations voiced their rejection, including the Jordan Football Association president, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who alleged pressure from FIFA to support Infantino in next year’s presidential election tied to the release of owed funds.

The controversy has fostered significant internal dissent within FIFA. Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned last week, while Secretary General Mattias Grafström and FIFA’s head of football development, Arsene Wenger, reportedly criticized the proposals. In response to the uproar, Infantino reportedly convened an emergency meeting with FIFA executives in Morocco.

The European Leagues group issued a statement condemning both the investment plan and a separate FIFA “research brief” on expanding the World Cup to 64 teams. They criticized the brief for an “impractically short assessment timeline” of just four weeks and a lack of consultation with leagues, clubs, and players. The group stated that FIFA’s unilateral approach disrupts the interests of the football community and called for comprehensive governance reforms to ensure meaningful stakeholder involvement in decision-making. The European Leagues referenced a 2024 complaint they filed against FIFA with the European Commission and reiterated their opposition to competition expansions without such reforms.

Figo, who initially supported Infantino’s presidency, accused him of compromising the office’s integrity and prioritizing personal gain over the sport. He highlighted Infantino’s loss of support among his senior staff, advisers, and the broader football community. “It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now,” Figo wrote.

Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and seeks re-election in March for a final four-year term. The recent controversy poses one of the most significant challenges to his leadership.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.