Gianni Infantino Faces Fresh Calls to Quit as FIFA President Amid World Cup Backlash
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure to step down after receiving heavy criticism over a series of controversial decisions during the World Cup.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, has overseen tournaments in Russia, Qatar and North America while introducing several changes that have divided opinion across the football world. Among the most debated decisions at the latest World Cup was the use of hydration breaks, with critics claiming they were unnecessary in many matches.
The FIFA chief also came under fire following the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, allowing the United States forward to feature against Belgium in the Round of 16 despite being sent off in the previous game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The controversy intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump admitted he had spoken with Infantino about the situation, although he insisted he did not instruct the FIFA president on what decision to make.
Relations between FIFA and UEFA have also become increasingly strained. UEFA publicly condemned the Balogun ruling, describing it as an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable” decision, while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly boycotted the World Cup final in protest. The European governing body has also voiced concerns over FIFA’s handling of other issues during the tournament, including the treatment of Iran’s national team and the refusal to allow Somali referee Omar Artan entry into the host country.
Adding to the criticism, La Liga president Javier Tebas has openly called for Infantino to resign, arguing that FIFA has prioritized its own interests over the good of football.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas claimed Infantino’s leadership has run its course and accused football’s governing system of protecting him despite growing dissatisfaction.
Tebas also dismissed FIFA’s explanation for the tournament’s hydration breaks, insisting they were used primarily to create additional advertising opportunities rather than protect players from extreme weather.
According to Tebas, several stadiums were equipped with climate-controlled environments, making the breaks unnecessary in many fixtures.
Despite the mounting criticism from leading figures within football, there is currently no indication that Infantino plans to leave office. His current term as FIFA president is scheduled to continue until 2027, when the next presidential election will take place at the FIFA Congress.
