PARIS: FIFA president Gianni Infantino “must go”, former UEFA chief Michel Platini said Sunday, intensifying pressure on the head of world football’s governing body following a series of controversies.
Infantino, 56, has faced mounting criticism since an aborted proposal to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
Platini also accused his former UEFA colleague of failing to uphold football’s rules during the recently concluded World Cup in North America.
FIFA President Faces World Cup Criticism
Speaking to Canal+, Platini criticised extended hydration breaks, which sometimes lasted around four minutes and provided broadcasters with advertising opportunities.
He also questioned the lengthy half-time show during the World Cup final and FIFA’s decision to suspend a red-card ban imposed on American forward Folarin Balogun following a telephone call from US President Donald Trump to Infantino.
Pressure Mounts on Infantino
UEFA has also challenged Infantino over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises plan, which sought private investment for FIFA events. European football’s governing body threatened to boycott FIFA competitions unless the plan was abandoned and accused Infantino of “criminal mismanagement”.
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CONCACAF and Asian football officials have also joined pressure on Infantino ahead of his expected bid for re-election in March.
Platini, who served as UEFA president before leaving office amid a corruption investigation, was acquitted of wrongdoing in 2025.
He is now pursuing legal action in France against Infantino and former FIFA officials Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala, seeking compensation over efforts to prevent him from becoming FIFA president in 2015.
Infantino subsequently won the FIFA presidency in 2016.
