MANCHESTER, England (AP) – The Norwegian soccer federation has called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding to the mounting pressure on the beleaguered leader. This demand comes in light of Infantino's controversial and ultimately unsuccessful proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup. The announcement indicates a significant dissatisfaction with his leadership, particularly following recent events that have highlighted the unrest within European soccer.
During a meeting held on Thursday, the Norwegian federation, chaired by President Lise Klaveness, decided to formally request Infantino's resignation. Klaveness stated, “When trust is gone, leadership must also be assessed. We therefore believe that Gianni Infantino’s time as FIFA President should be over, and ask him to resign,” conveying a strong message about the need for change at the helm of FIFA.
This plea marks yet another setback for Infantino, as the consequences of his failed initiative to generate revenue through a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) continue to ripple through the soccer world. UEFA, Europe's governing body for soccer, reaffirmed its position on Thursday, noting that its threat to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions remains intact, despite FIFA's recent abandonment and apology regarding the controversial plan.
UEFA’s statements underscore a profound loss of confidence in Infantino, reflecting the widespread frustration among European nations. Earlier this week, Infantino had seemingly quelled the threat of an internal revolt during a summit meeting with senior FIFA staff in Rabat, Morocco, where he reportedly received full backing from attendees. However, UEFA's forceful response and Norway's explicit call for his resignation indicate that discontent remains deeply entrenched across the continent.
The English Football Association has also withdrawn its support for Infantino’s re-election set for March, further illustrating the fractures developing within FIFA’s leadership. Conversely, Infantino has received backing from Mexico's soccer federation, showcasing a split in support among global soccer factions.
The Norwegian federation's statement also highlighted other pressing issues they plan to address with FIFA, including concerns over the FIFA Forward Enterprise, the controversial peace prize awarded to Donald Trump, and the suspension of Folarin Balogun's one-match ban during the World Cup. Klaveness emphasized the urgent need for “new leadership to rebuild trust, strengthen good governance, and ensure that the organization’s own reforms are actually implemented.” The federation's stance reflects a broader desire for accountability and integrity within FIFA's governance structures.
