FIFA in crisis as soccer legend Figo calls for Infantino to 'must go' amid scandal

Soccer legend Luis Figo has publicly demanded the resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, intensifying a deepening crisis within the global football organization. Figo, a former Ballon d'Or winner, criticized Infantino's conduct as "deceitful and cravenly self-interested" in an op-ed, following the collapse of Infantino's controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. This comes as FIFA reportedly holds crisis meetings in Morocco to address the mounting pressure.

Infantino is currently battling a significant backlash after his proposal to privatize a portion of the World Cup's commercial rights was overwhelmingly rejected by major confederations like UEFA and CONCACAF, with some even threatening boycotts. Adding to his troubles, Prince Ali bin Hussein, head of the Jordan Football Association, has accused Infantino of "blackmail" tactics aimed at securing political endorsements for his re-election.

The scandal has prompted the resignation of a senior FIFA advisor and widespread internal dissent, casting serious doubt on Infantino's prospects for a fourth term in the upcoming March 2027 presidential election.