Former Portugal international Luis Figo has launched a scathing attack on Fifa president Gianni Infantino, comparing his behaviour to that of the mafia and calling for his immediate resignation, according to Goal.com.
Figo, a former Ballon d'Or winner, said Infantino's conduct was the most deceitful and self-interested he had ever witnessed in football, and accused the Fifa chief of prioritising the interests of his allies above all else, the report states.
The criticism follows claims that Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who ran against Infantino in the 2016 presidential election, had exposed the Fifa leader's conduct, Goal.com reports. Figo's comments add to mounting pressure on Infantino, who has faced a series of recent setbacks, including a fresh rejection of his proposals by European football bodies.
According to the BBC, Infantino has called an executive meeting in response to the growing criticism. UEFA and its 55 national associations have also issued a joint statement, though the specific contents were not detailed in the available reporting.
The timing of Figo's remarks is notable, coming as Infantino faces resistance on multiple fronts. The rejection of his proposal by European stakeholders represents a significant blow, as reported by Goal.com, and suggests the Fifa president's authority is being increasingly questioned within the sport's governing structures.
Figo's demand for Infantino's resignation is among the strongest public rebukes from a major football figure in recent memory. The former winger, who won the 2000 Fifa World Player of the Year award, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the current Fifa leadership.
The coming weeks will show whether Infantino can withstand this wave of criticism or whether the calls for his departure gain further momentum among football's most influential voices.
