Former Portugal captain Luis Figo has called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing him of damaging the credibility of football’s global governing body and putting personal interests ahead of the sport.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Figo said he was joining “others from across our game” in demanding Infantino’s resignation, arguing that the FIFA president had failed to uphold the standards of the office.
“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 said.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year also claimed that Infantino had lost the confidence of key figures within football, including senior FIFA staff, close advisers and “the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport.”
Figo further suggested that Infantino had even lost the support of the recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize, although he did not elaborate on the reference.
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder said there was still an opportunity to protect the future of football despite the damage he believes has already been done.
“It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now,” Figo said.
Figo’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of FIFA’s leadership following criticism of recent governance decisions and controversy surrounding proposals affecting the future of international football. Infantino has not publicly responded to Figo’s latest remarks.