Gianni Infantino must resign with grace

Gianni Infantino, the current president of FIFA, faces calls for his resignation, with critics pointing to a "botched attempt" to transfer significant World Cup interests to private equity linked to the Trump family. The Independent reports that this move is expected to end Infantino's career, raising further questions about the governance and future of international football.

Infantino's rise to power in 2016 followed the corruption scandal that engulfed his predecessor, Sepp Blatter. At the time, Infantino promised reform and transparency, emphasizing that FIFA's funds should serve football's development. He is credited with giving greater attention to women's football, supporting grassroots initiatives in emerging nations, and boosting African participation in the World Cup. He also played a role in increasing football's traction in North America.

However, the article contends that Infantino's initial promises have since "ring hollow." He has been accused of interfering in disciplinary decisions, including reversing a suspension for Cristiano Ronaldo and revoking a red card for US player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, a decision reportedly involving President Trump. The article also criticizes "dynamic" ticket pricing, discriminatory treatment of a Somali referee and the Iranian team, and controversial hydration breaks and half-time shows.

The piece suggests that Infantino's actions were partly influenced by his appeasement of Trump, who informally nominated him for a position. The author argues that a sensible leader would step down while in a strong position, but Infantino's current situation, marked by controversy, makes resignation the appropriate course of action.

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The money of Fifa is your money. It’s not the money of the Fifa president. It’s your money. You are the national associations and the money of Fifa has to serve for the development of football and not for anything else.