Global fan groups call for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign

Fan groups from across the world are calling for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down after his controversial attempt to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The petition, launched on Thursday with the hashtag #InfantinoOut, also demands major changes to FIFA to prevent similar controversies in the future.

Fans demand Infantino's exit

The petition was backed by groups including Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa and North America’s Independent Supporters Council, along with around 40 national fan organisations. “The shameful attempt by one individual — the FIFA President himself — to sell off the World Cup to private investors exposed a betrayal football will never forget,” the petition said, referring to Infantino’s proposed commercial spin-off, which he abandoned after strong opposition. The groups argue that Infantino has lost the trust of football supporters. UEFA has said it has no confidence in him, while officials from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also criticised his leadership. “Gianni Infantino has demonstrated a profound failure of leadership, incompatible with democratic governance,” the fan petition states. “The concentration of power around the FIFA Presidency, combined with opaque decision-making, personality cult clientelism, and zero accountability has destroyed any remaining trust in the world governing body."

“For the credibility of FIFA — and for the future of the game — he must resign,” the petition adds. The supporters also point to Infantino’s earlier controversial positions, including his backing of the proposed European Super League and his push for the World Cup to be held every two years. The fan groups say these decisions have further damaged trust in FIFA and strengthened their demand for a change in leadership.