Luis Figo (foto: Getty Images)
Luis Figo has launched a fierce attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of betraying football and calling for his immediate resignation.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Luis Figo has become the latest high-profile figure to publicly call for the resignation of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, delivering one of the strongest attacks yet on the Swiss administrator.
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Portugal star, who has served as an adviser to UEFA since Aleksander Čeferin became president in 2017, used a column published by the Daily Mail to accuse Infantino of putting personal interests ahead of football.
"Infantino must go"
Figo left little doubt about his position.
"I could write 10,000 words about the problems at FIFA. But the solution requires only three: Infantino must go."
The Portuguese legend continued with an even harsher assessment of the FIFA president.
"I have loved football all my life. I was a professional player for 20 years. In my time in the sport I have met many scoundrels. But what has come to light in the last 10 days is the most vile, deceitful and selfish behaviour I have ever witnessed."
Questions over transparency
Figo questioned why the controversial proposal to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial business was not openly discussed with member associations before the World Cup final.
He accused Infantino of failing to explain the risks involved and alleged that the proposal primarily benefited a small group of individuals rather than football itself.
"If it was such a good idea, why didn't you tell your members when you had them all in the same room before the World Cup final? If the plan was so obvious, why weren't you honest?"
Figo also criticized what he described as a lack of transparency regarding potential personal financial benefits linked to the proposal.
Support for Prince Ali's accusations
The Portuguese icon also referenced recent comments from Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association.
Prince Ali accused FIFA of using financial pressure on member associations to secure political support, allegations that have intensified scrutiny of FIFA's leadership in recent weeks.
Figo described the accusations as evidence of behaviour that has damaged football's reputation.
"Save football"
Rather than seeking outside investment, Figo argued FIFA should use its own financial reserves to develop the sport around the world.
He said investment should focus on building stadiums, improving coaching and creating opportunities for young players instead of enriching investors or football executives.
In his closing remarks, Figo delivered a direct appeal for change.
"It is too late to save his dignity, but it is not too late to save football. He must go. Now."