Former Portugal international Luís Figo has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down immediately, accusing him of lying and deceiving, according to Portuguese outlet ECO. The demand comes amid a growing crisis at football's world governing body.
ECO reports that Figo, a former Ballon d'Or winner, made the remarks in response to recent actions by Infantino. The Portuguese publication did not specify the exact trigger for Figo's statement, but it follows a period of intense scrutiny for the FIFA president.
The controversy has drawn reactions from other figures in football. The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) expressed reservations about a controversial proposal from Infantino, saying he is "a little against" it, as reported by Brazilian sports outlet ge. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has withdrawn his confidence in Infantino, stating "that's no way to run things," according to Estadão.
Infantino has responded to the backlash by apologizing for "mistakes" and receiving "total support" from FIFA's board, as reported by ESPN Brasil and CartaCapital. The apology appears aimed at calming tensions, but the criticism from high-profile figures like Figo suggests the crisis is far from resolved.
The situation marks a significant challenge for Infantino's leadership. With a former football great demanding his resignation and a G7 leader withdrawing support, the pressure on the FIFA president continues to mount.
What to watch next: whether FIFA's council maintains its backing of Infantino or whether the calls for his departure gain further momentum.
