A global coalition of soccer fan organizations has initiated a petition urging Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA president following his proposal to market future World Cup profits to private investors. The petition, tagged InfantinOut, also demands a reconstruction of FIFA to prevent a recurrence of the recent controversy.
The petition condemned Infantino’s abandoned plan for a commercial World Cup spinoff as a disgraceful act of betrayal that tarnished the sport. Fan groups involved in the petition include Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, and the Independent Supporters Council in North America, along with approximately 40 national fan groups worldwide.
Despite facing calls for resignation from various soccer bodies like UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, Infantino has remained defiant. The petition accuses him of a severe leadership failure and highlights concerns about his previous support for contentious projects such as the European Super League and advocating for biennial World Cups.
The petition emphasizes the necessity of Infantino’s resignation for the credibility of FIFA and the integrity of the sport. It criticizes the concentration of power around the FIFA Presidency, opaque decision-making processes, and lack of accountability, eroding trust in the organization. The petition also references the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s key adviser, in response to the controversy surrounding the proposal to involve private investors in FIFA’s commercial interests.
