Football fans demand FIFA chief Infantino resign, call for reform

A global coalition of football fan organizations has called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's resignation and a complete overhaul of the sport's governing body. The demand stems from the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project on July 31 and a perceived lack of transparency and accountability within FIFA.

"It is a worldwide petition for Gianni Infantino to resign and for FIFA to be rebuilt," stated the Football Supporters Association (FSA), which spearheaded the call. The petition is backed by a broad alliance of organizations from Africa, Europe, and North America, including the Independent Supporters Council of North America. Thirty-nine associations across 27 countries have also lent their support, urging fans to sign the petition.

The coalition criticized Infantino's leadership, suggesting he believes himself to be above the sport. "Football belongs to the people who go to the stadiums following their clubs and national teams through triumphs and defeats," the statement emphasized. They argue that FIFA's self-regulatory system has failed, leading to the current "debacle." While some confederations like UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf have distanced themselves from Infantino, Conmebol, CAF, and OFC have expressed support for his presidency.

The controversy intensified with the withdrawal of FIFA Forward Enterprise, which led to the resignation of Infantino's chief advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, and the dismissal of operations director Kevin Lamour after he reportedly criticized the president's commercial proposal. "Infantino's plan was conceived in secret. He negotiated behind closed doors. It was hidden from FIFA members and millions of people," the association pointed out. With presidential elections scheduled for March 2027, the fan groups are demanding adequate governance standards, formal fan participation, and greater transparency, including measures to ensure football revenues are reinvested in the sport.

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El plan de Infantino se gestó en secreto. Negoció a puerta cerrada. Se lo ocultó a los propios miembros de la FIFA y a los millones de personas