Global fan groups launch petition demanding Gianni Infantino resigns
Supporters’ groups across the world have launched a petition demanding the immediate resignation of Fifa president Gianni Infantino alongside a comprehensive overhaul of the governing body.
The move follows mounting pressure on the global football chief over his controversial decision to seek private backing for a company designed to run major international competitions.
This abandoned proposal, which included ceding control over the men’s and women’s World Cups, has triggered widespread outrage across the sport.
Accusations of deception and lost confidence
Three continental confederations recently published an open letter accusing the Swiss official of deception regarding how the private investment scheme was developed.
European football’s governing body, Uefa, has gone as far as threatening to boycott future tournaments after stating they have completely lost confidence in his leadership.
Despite retaining backing from regions such as Africa and South America, representative fan organisations are now leveraging an online petition to force his departure.
‘A betrayal football will never forget’
A coordinated statement released on behalf of the supporter groups condemned the private investment proposal as the final straw.
The shameful attempt by one individual to sell off the World Cup to private investors exposed a betrayal football will never forget.
Infantino’s plan was stitched together in secret, negotiated behind closed doors, and hidden from Fifa’s own members and from the millions of people whose passion makes football what it is.
The groups argue that his reported involvement in earlier discussions surrounding the European Super League and exorbitant ticket pricing structures have stripped him of his mandate to lead.
Calls to start from scratch
Beyond seeking a new figurehead, the petition explicitly calls for deep structural reform that formalises the involvement of fans and key stakeholders in major decisions.
The departure of Gianni Infantino is a first and a must, but that can only have a positive impact if it’s followed by some reform of the office and of governance.
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe
Evain stressed that the current framework is simply not fit for purpose if one individual can concentrate so much unchecked power.
Fifa needs to start from scratch. All the reforms from 2016 have been erased or made irrelevant by Infantino.
The campaign continues to gather momentum, having already secured signatures from national supporter groups across all six global confederations.