A global coalition of soccer fan organizations has initiated a petition demanding the resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This action follows Infantino’s proposal to privatize future World Cup revenues, which was met with widespread condemnation and subsequently retracted.
The petition, tagged as InfantinOut, emphasizes the necessity to reform FIFA to prevent similar controversies from occurring in the future. Criticizing Infantino’s failed attempt to commercialize the World Cup, the petition highlights the perceived betrayal of the sport by its own leader.
Notable supporters of the petition include Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, the Independent Supporters Council in North America, and approximately 40 national fan groups worldwide. Despite facing calls for his resignation from various soccer governing bodies like UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, Infantino has remained defiant.
The petition denounces Infantino’s leadership style as undemocratic, citing concerns about centralized power, lack of transparency, and a dearth of accountability within FIFA. It also references Infantino’s controversial initiatives in the past, such as endorsing the ill-fated European Super League and advocating for biennial World Cups.
In light of these criticisms and the erosion of trust in FIFA, the petition concludes that Infantino’s departure is imperative for the credibility of the organization and the integrity of the sport.
