Vigo Calls for Infantino's Resignation, Describes Him as a 'Deceiver'

Former Portuguese star Luis Figo, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, called for his resignation, describing him as a “deceiver,” amid mounting pressure on the world football governing body’s president.

Infantino is trying to hold onto his position following a wave of sharp criticism that followed his plan to sell a stake in World Cup rights.

The 56-year-old FIFA president had proposed selling a 20% stake in World Cup rights to investors from private equity firms through FIFA Forward Enterprises.

The project sparked widespread criticism after being rejected by three continental confederations, forcing Infantino to abandon his controversial idea.

In an attempt to regain support, Infantino held a meeting on Wednesday with senior FIFA officials in Morocco, according to a source who spoke to Agence France-Presse.

Figo wrote in the Daily Mail: “I could write ten thousand words about FIFA’s problems, but the solution requires only three words: Infantino must go.”

He added: “I have loved football all my life and played professionally for 20 years. Believe me, I have met people without integrity during my career.”

He continued: “But what I have seen over the past ten days is the most depraved, deceitful, and selfish behavior I have ever witnessed.”

He considered that “the person trying to impose changes of this magnitude merely to enrich himself and his close associates is a relic from the game’s past and should have no role in its future.”

Infantino had defended his proposal, insisting it would increase revenues for all national member associations affiliated with FIFA.

However, his attempt to push the deal through quickly without consulting national associations, along with concerns that it could lead to an increase in the frequency of the World Cup to every two years instead of every four, triggered angry reactions.

Several senior FIFA officials, including current Director of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, also leveled sharp criticism at Infantino’s handling of the file.

Figo, who withdrew from the FIFA presidential race in 2015, believes Infantino should step down immediately rather than wait for his re-election bid next year.

The 53-year-old Figo concluded: “He has lost the support of his top staff, his closest advisors, and the vast majority of people who have dedicated their lives to this sport, and apparently even the winner of the FIFA Peace Prize (US President Donald Trump).”

He added: “It is too late to save his dignity, but it is not yet too late to save football. He must go... now.”