A global coalition of soccer fan organizations initiated a petition on Thursday demanding the resignation of FIFA president Gianni Infantino following his proposal to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The petition, tagged #InfantinOut, also advocates for a complete overhaul of FIFA to prevent similar controversies in the future.
The petition strongly criticizes Infantino’s failed attempt to commercialize the World Cup, labeling it as a betrayal to the sport. Despite facing backlash, Infantino has refused to step down, despite UEFA expressing a lack of confidence in him. Notably, the fan groups involved in the petition include Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, and the Independent Supporters Council in North America, alongside approximately 40 national fan groups worldwide.
The petition accuses Infantino of a severe leadership failure and highlights concerns about the concentration of power within FIFA’s presidency, lack of transparency, and accountability issues. It emphasizes the need for Infantino to resign for the sake of FIFA’s credibility and the sport’s future. Additionally, the petition references Infantino’s controversial support for initiatives like the European Super League and the proposal to hold World Cups every two years.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Infantino’s administration has led to further resignations within FIFA, adding to the growing discontent within the soccer community.