Former Portugal captain Luis Figo has become the latest high-profile figure to publicly call for Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA president, adding further pressure on the Swiss-Italian amid the governing body’s ongoing leadership crisis. In a strongly worded statement shared on X, Figo accused Infantino of damaging the credibility of football’s governing body and urged him to leave office immediately.
“Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President,” Figo said.
He continued, “Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate. He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.”
Figo also claimed that Infantino had lost the confidence of those closest to him, saying, “He has lost the support of his senior staff, his closest advisers, the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport and even, it would seem, the FIFA Peace Prize winner.”
The Ballon d’Or winner further added, “It is too late to save his dignity, but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now.”
“He Should Go. Now” – Figo’s Criticises FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino
Figo’s comments come at a crucial time for FIFA, with Infantino facing mounting criticism from football administrators, former players and several national associations. The Portuguese legend is among the most prominent football personalities to publicly demand the FIFA president’s resignation, reflecting growing dissatisfaction over the organisation’s leadership.
Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President.
Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate. He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.
He has…
— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) August 5, 2026
World Cup Rights Controversy Deepens Pressure on FIFA
The latest criticism follows the collapse of Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a 20% stake in a new FIFA commercial rights entity in a deal intended to raise around $4.2 billion through private investment. The plan was eventually withdrawn after widespread opposition from UEFA, several member associations and senior figures within football, who questioned both the consultation process and governance surrounding the proposal.
The fallout has extended beyond external criticism. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom reportedly described the episode as a “sad and reproachable series of events,” while FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, said withdrawing the proposal was “absolutely necessary” and stressed the importance of transparency and integrity within the organisation.
With FIFA’s presidential election approaching next year, Infantino now faces increasing scrutiny over his leadership as calls for governance reform continue to gain momentum.
