Figo urges Infantino to step down after World Cup plan

Luís Figo has sharply criticised Gianni Infantino and called on the Fifa president to resign after the collapse of a controversial plan linked to the World Cup. In comments reported by The Guardian Football, the former Portugal forward described the proposal as deeply damaging and said Infantino should stand down to help protect the game.

The dispute centres on a scheme Infantino had backed to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The idea drew immediate resistance and was ultimately scrapped after a strong backlash, with Uefa said to have led the opposition. The retreat has left the Fifa president under growing pressure.

Figo, one of Portugal's best-known players and a long-time figure in world football, did not hold back in his assessment. His criticism focused on the ethics of the proposal and on Infantino's handling of the episode, which has become the latest flashpoint in debate over football governance and the control of the sport's biggest tournament.

According to the report, Infantino then called an emergency meeting of Fifa staff on Wednesday as scrutiny intensified around his future. The meeting came after the World Cup investment plan was abandoned, adding to the sense that the Fifa president is facing a serious test of authority.

The episode has also highlighted the continued tension between Fifa and European football officials. Uefa's resistance was central to the proposal being dropped, underscoring how difficult major structural changes to the World Cup remain when they meet broad institutional opposition.

For Figo, the issue appears to go beyond one failed idea. His intervention places direct pressure on Infantino at a moment when questions about trust, leadership and the direction of global football are again in the spotlight. While the Fifa president has not been reported as resigning, the criticism from a figure of Figo's stature adds to the political strain around him.

The Guardian Football report frames the controversy as part of a broader battle over the stewardship of the game, with the World Cup at the centre of the dispute. For now, the immediate outcome is clear: the private investment proposal has been abandoned, and the debate over Fifa leadership is far from over.

FAQ

Why is Luís Figo criticising Gianni Infantino?

He objected to Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors and said the Fifa president should resign.

What happened to the World Cup investment plan?

It was scrapped after a strong backlash, including opposition led by Uefa.

Is Gianni Infantino leaving Fifa?

No resignation has been reported. The feed says he is facing mounting pressure and held an emergency staff meeting.