Luís Figo urges FIFA president Infantino to resign over World Cup stake sale plan

Portugal legend Luís Figo has publicly demanded that FIFA president Gianni Infantino resign after the former player condemned Infantino’s plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self‑interested behaviour I have ever witnessed.” Figo’s remarks come as Infantino faces mounting pressure from UEFA and other football bodies to abandon the controversial proposal, which would have transferred ownership of the tournament to a consortium of investors. The 56‑year‑old president has called an emergency meeting of FIFA staff to address the backlash and to secure his future in the role.

Infantino’s initiative, which was intended to generate additional revenue for FIFA, was swiftly rejected by the football community. UEFA’s leadership led the opposition, arguing that the move would undermine the integrity of the World Cup and compromise the sport’s governance. With the proposal now shelved, Infantino’s position remains uncertain as he navigates the fallout and seeks to restore confidence in FIFA’s leadership.