Fans' call for Infantino's resignation sparks FIFA reform demand

Fans' groups worldwide have launched a petition on change.org demanding the resignation of Gianni Infantino as FIFA president and calling for wholesale reform of the organisation. The appeal already enjoys support across all six FIFA confederations, uniting continental and national fan organisations in a coordinated campaign.

Private investment plan abandoned

Infantino is under pressure after being forced to abandon plans to seek private investment in a company to run FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. The collapse of the proposal has intensified calls for his resignation from fan groups worldwide.

Fans' petition gains global backing

The petition, hosted on change.org, urges individual supporters to sign and already has backing from fan organisations across all six FIFA confederations, spanning both continental and national groups. It calls for the resignation of Gianni Infantino and for wholesale reform of FIFA’s governance structures.

Three continental confederations accused Infantino of “deception” in an open letter last week over how the private‑investment plan was devised and presented. The criticism has resonated across Europe, and European football’s governing body UEFA has said it will continue boycotting FIFA events, stating it has “lost confidence” in Infantino’s leadership.

Despite the criticism, Infantino still retains notable support in Africa and South America, where fan organisations have not joined the resignation campaign.

UEFA readies criminal complaint against FIFA chief Infantino

“The shameful attempt by one individual – the FIFA president himself – to sell off the World Cup to private investors exposed a betrayal football will never forget,” a statement on behalf of the fan organisations read. It added, “Infantino’s plan was stitched together in secret. Negotiated behind closed doors. Hidden from FIFA’s own members and from the millions of people whose passion makes football what it is.”

The statement continued, “A president who repeatedly betrays football and makes a mockery of our game has lost the right to lead it,” and urged, “For the credibility of FIFA – and for the future of the game – he must resign.” It also demands that supporters and other key football stakeholders be formally involved in future decision‑making.

Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, told the press that “the departure of Gianni Infantino is a first and a must, but that can only have a positive impact if it’s followed by some reform of the office and of governance.” He warned that concentrating “so many powers” makes FIFA’s governance “not fit for purpose” and suggested exploring models such as rotating presidencies.

UEFA declares no trust in Infantino, vows credible replacement

FIFA has been approached for comment but has not responded. Infantino also pursued private backing for an Under‑15 football festival involving all 211 FIFA member associations, with a proposal to stage an event in Florida backed by Eldridge, a company founded and chaired by Chelsea co‑owner Todd Boehly.

The plan was shelved shortly before the men’s World Cup. In June, FIFA announced Azerbaijan as the first host of the Under‑15 World Cup Festival, with the October edition featuring only boys’ teams and a 2027 edition planned for girls.