A global coalition of soccer fan organizations has initiated a petition demanding the resignation of
The petition is backed by prominent fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, and the Independent Supporters Council from North America, along with approximately 40 national fan organizations worldwide. Despite the growing discontent, Infantino has remained defiant, resisting calls for his resignation even as UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership. Criticism has also emerged from the leadership of CONCACAF in North America and the Asian Football Confederation.
Support and Opposition within FIFA
While some of FIFA's 211 member federations have rallied behind Infantino, including Morocco, which is a co-host for the 2030 World Cup, and Qatar, where he resided prior to the 2022 World Cup, others remain skeptical. Lebanon recently granted him citizenship, but Saudi Arabia, the host for the 2034 World Cup, has not publicly endorsed him despite his close political ties to the nation. The petition highlights a significant leadership crisis, stating, “Gianni Infantino has demonstrated a profound failure of leadership, incompatible with democratic governance.” It criticizes the concentration of power within the FIFA presidency and calls for accountability to restore trust in the organization.
The petition also references Infantino's previous controversial initiatives, such as his support for the now-defunct European Super League and the proposal to hold World Cups every two years, which faced widespread opposition. Additionally, the petition condemns FIFA's decision to set record ticket prices for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which angered fans, particularly those loyal to the 48 participating teams. Football Supporters Europe, which serves as the official liaison for fans with UEFA, has been vocal about ticket pricing issues in major tournaments.
FIFA has been approached for comments regarding the petition and the ongoing discontent among soccer fans.
