A global coalition of soccer fan associations initiated a petition on Thursday demanding the resignation of Gianni Infantino from his position as FIFA president after he proposed selling future World Cup revenues to private investors. The petition, under the hashtag InfantinOut, also urges for a reconstruction of FIFA to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The petition strongly condemns Infantino’s failed attempt to commercialize the World Cup, labeling it as a betrayal that tarnished the integrity of football. Notably, after facing severe backlash, Infantino abandoned the idea of involving private investors in the World Cup.
Among the signatories of the petition are fan groups such as Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, and the Independent Supporters Council in North America, along with approximately 40 national fan associations globally.
Despite mounting pressure for resignation, Infantino has refused to step down, despite UEFA expressing a lack of confidence in him. Criticism has also come from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation leadership.
The petition highlights Infantino’s leadership failures, citing a lack of transparency, concentration of power, and controversial decisions, including his past support for contentious projects like the European Super League and advocating for biennial World Cups.
The petition concludes by emphasizing the necessity of Infantino’s resignation for FIFA’s credibility and the future of the sport. The ongoing controversies surrounding Infantino’s tenure have sparked widespread concern within the soccer community, with key figures like Carlos Cordeiro resigning in protest against the proposed sell-off of FIFA’s commercial interests.