Luis Figo Demands Immediate Resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino Amid Corruption Scandal

Former football star Luis Figo has launched a fierce attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling for his immediate resignation. In a scathing column published in the Daily Mail on August 5, Figo condemned Infantino's recent conduct as the worst he has witnessed in his football career. The controversy centers on Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights to private investment firms without sufficient transparency or disclosure of risks to FIFA member associations.

Figo criticized Infantino for pushing significant changes behind closed doors, questioning why FIFA member associations were not fully informed about the risks before the World Cup final. He also accused Infantino of a conflict of interest, alleging the FIFA president could secure a future $30 million annual salary role in Washington, a fact not disclosed to the associations. Figo argued that selling part of the World Cup rights would permanently strip future generations of ownership and funnel revenues away from football.

Highlighting FIFA's substantial financial reserves, estimated at $5 billion, Figo insisted there is no need for external investors. He emphasized that football requires investment in grassroots development, such as building pitches and training coaches, rather than enriching executives or private firms. Figo also referenced accusations from Jordan Football Association President Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who claimed FIFA pressured his federation to support Infantino's candidacy by withholding funding, describing FIFA's behavior as "mafia-like."

Figo condemned Infantino's leadership for damaging FIFA's reputation through questionable disciplinary decisions and rule changes aimed at entertainment rather than sport integrity. He concluded by stating Infantino has dishonored the FIFA presidency, lied, and acted selfishly, urging that while it may be too late to save Infantino's reputation, it is not too late to save football. "He must go. Now," Figo declared.

Summary: Luis Figo has publicly demanded FIFA President Gianni Infantino's immediate resignation over a scandal involving secretive plans to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors, accusing him of corruption and conflicts of interest that threaten football's future.

Points: - Luis Figo calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign immediately amid corruption allegations. - The controversy involves plans to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors without transparency. - Figo accuses Infantino of hiding a potential $30 million future salary and conflicts of interest. - FIFA reportedly pressured the Jordan Football Association for political support, described as "mafia-like." - Figo stresses FIFA has sufficient funds and football needs investment in grassroots, not private profits. - He condemns Infantino's leadership for damaging FIFA's reputation and betraying football's values.

Topic: sports israel_relevant: false Entities: {"people":["Luis Figo","Gianni Infantino","Prince Ali bin Al Hussein"],"organizations":["FIFA","Jordan Football Association"],"places":[] }