Fan organizations representing supporters across Europe, Africa and North America have united in a new petition calling for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign. The petition, titled #InfantinoOut, argues that Infantino’s attempt to commercialize future World Cup revenues for private investors constitutes a betrayal of the sport.
Petition details and demands
The petition states that 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.” It calls for FIFA to be rebuilt with transparent governance so that a similar “debacle” cannot recur.
Signatories include Football Supporters Europe, Football Supporters Africa, the Independent Supporters Council in North America, and roughly 40 national fan groups worldwide. The document criticizes the concentration of power around the FIFA presidency, opaque decision‑making, personality‑cult clientelism and a lack of accountability, asserting that these factors have eroded trust in the governing body.
International reaction
Infantino has faced criticism from several continental federations. UEFA has publicly expressed no confidence in his leadership, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also voiced concerns. Despite this, a number of FIFA’s 211 member associations continue to back Infantino, including Morocco—co‑host of the 2030 World Cup—Qatar, and Lebanon, which granted him citizenship earlier this year. Saudi Arabia, the 2034 host, has not publicly taken a position.
Past controversies cited
The petition references Infantino’s prior support for projects that angered fans, such as the failed European Super League proposal and his advocacy for holding World Cups every two years, a plan that was ultimately rejected. It also highlights the “extortionate ticketing policy” for the 2026 World Cup, noting that record ticket prices for the 104‑game tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico left many loyal supporters unable to afford seats.
Fans allege that FIFA did not consult supporter groups before setting those prices, which led to tickets being sold for as low as $60 to a limited number of the most devoted fans from each of the 48 qualifying nations.
FIFA’s response
When approached for comment, FIFA declined to provide a statement regarding the petition.
What this means for the sport
The petition reflects growing frustration among the global soccer community over perceived mismanagement and commercial overreach by FIFA’s leadership. While the organization remains the sport’s highest authority, the coordinated fan response underscores a demand for greater transparency, democratic governance and protection of the game’s integrity.
Supporters hope that the petition will pressure Infantino to either step down or initiate substantive reforms within FIFA, ensuring that future World Cups prioritize the interests of fans, players and the broader football family rather than private profit motives.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
