Michel Platini calls for FIFA president Infantino's removal

Former French football star and UEFA president Michel Platini delivered a sharply worded criticism of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino during a recent televised interview, stating that Infantino “always loves money and power.” Platini, who led UEFA from 2007 to 2015 before being suspended over a corruption investigation, said the current FIFA leader “has consistently placed personal gain above the sport’s interests,” adding that his actions have eroded trust among football’s governing bodies.

Infantino, who has overseen FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup format and navigated the organization through the COVID‑19 pandemic, did not respond directly to Platini’s remarks in the interview. The exchange comes amid ongoing debates about governance reforms within global football, with former officials and stakeholders calling for greater transparency and accountability. Observers note that Platini’s comments may reignite discussions about the relationship between UEFA and FIFA, while the sport’s governing structures continue to face scrutiny from clubs, players and fans alike.