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Danish Football Union chairman finds it hard to see FIFA president continue
🇩🇰 Denmark /Sports

Danish Football Union chairman finds it hard to see FIFA president continue

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Danish Football Union (DBU) chairman believes FIFA President Gianni Infantino should step down.
  • DBU Chairman Jesper Møller cites recent controversies and a perceived attack on core values as reasons for his stance.
  • Møller indicated that the DBU will discuss the matter internally and potentially pressure Infantino to resign before his term ends.

Danish Football Union (DBU) Chairman Jesper Møller expressed his belief that FIFA President Gianni Infantino should leave his post, either by resigning or not being re-elected. Møller stated that the recent controversies surrounding Infantino have undermined fundamental values such as ethics, good governance, and transparency. "This case has hit our core values, attitudes, ethics, good governance, transparency and so on," Møller told Ritzau. He finds it difficult to see Infantino completing his current term. Møller alluded to past experiences, including Sepp Blatter's resignation, and anticipates new candidates emerging for the upcoming election. The DBU has already signaled its opposition to Infantino's re-election for the 2023-2027 period. Møller plans to convene a DBU board meeting to discuss the issue, followed by discussions with Nordic countries and UEFA. He senses that the sentiment against Infantino is not improving and may even be worse than before. Møller recalled Infantino's controversial actions during the summer World Cup, such as annulling a suspension for USA's Folarin Balogun at the request of then-President Donald Trump, which drew criticism from UEFA. While Infantino has enjoyed broad support from other continents, recent issues, like the potential sale of stakes in FIFA tournaments, have caused dissatisfaction elsewhere. Møller acknowledged that UEFA has sometimes stood alone in its criticism of FIFA, highlighting the challenge of securing a majority in the 211-member organization without broader support. Despite reports of over 200 countries signing declarations of support for Infantino, Møller believes some may reconsider their positions, sensing a shift in European circles.

It will be really uphill from here, as I see it. This case has hit our core values, attitudes, ethics, good governance, transparency and so on.

— Jesper MøllerDBU Chairman Jesper Møller explaining his stance on FIFA President Gianni Infantino's position.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.