Vigo: Infantino is a deceiver

Former Portuguese star Luis Figo, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, has called for his resignation, describing him as “deceitful,” amid mounting pressure on the world football body’s chief. Infantino has been striving to retain his position following a wave of sharp criticism after 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 private equity investors through FIFA Forward Enterprises. The project sparked widespread criticism after it was rejected by three continental confederations, forcing Infantino to abandon his controversial idea. However, Figo escalated the pressure on the FIFA president, criticizing the project and demanding his resignation. In the Daily Mail, Figo wrote: “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 in 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 FIFA member national associations. However, his attempt to push the deal through quickly without consulting national associations, along with concerns that it could lead to an increased frequency of the World Cup in the future—every two years instead of every four—sparked angry reactions. Several senior FIFA officials, including current Director of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, also sharply criticized 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. He said: “Infantino has disrespected the position of FIFA president, which he promised to elevate.” He added: “He has lied and deceived, and tried to achieve personal gains at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.”