---
title: "Figo Demands Infantino Resignation Over Secretive World Cup Privatization Plot"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/luis-figo-demands-infantino-resignation-fifa-world-cup-privatization-wjc9v
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-05T20:50:33.000Z
modified: 2026-08-05T23:00:53.135Z
language: en-IN
---

# Figo Demands Infantino Resignation Over Secretive World Cup Privatization Plot

Former football star Luis Figo has launched a blistering attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling him deceitful following a failed attempt to sell World Cup stakes. The Portuguese legend insists the 56-year-old official must step down immediately to protect the sport's future.

## Key takeaways

- Luis Figo publicly demanded Gianni Infantino's immediate resignation in a Daily Mail column.
- The FIFA President attempted to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup to private equity through the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
- Three continental confederations blocked the privatization plan, forcing Infantino to abandon the deal.
- Figo accused Infantino of deceiving member nations and bypassing necessary consultation for personal gain.

## The Privatization Controversy

Gianni Infantino faces intense scrutiny after proposing the sale of a 20% stake in the World Cup to private equity firms. The transaction was intended to channel funds through a new vehicle titled the FIFA Forward Enterprise. While the FIFA President argued the move would bolster revenue for member nations, the strategy faced immediate rejection from three continental confederations, forcing the 56-year-old to abandon the project.

## Luis Figo Leads Public Backlash

In a column for the Daily Mail published on August 5, 2026, former Portugal international Luis Figo described the administration's actions as the most self-interested behavior he has witnessed in his career. Figo characterized Infantino as a relic of the past who has debased his office through deception. The former Real Madrid and Barcelona attacker argued that the solution to FIFA's current turmoil requires only three words: "Infantino must go."

## Erosion of Internal Support

The fallout from the investment plan extends beyond public criticism. Infantino reportedly held emergency meetings with FIFA directors in Morocco on Wednesday to mitigate the damage. However, Figo claims the President has alienated his senior staff, close advisers, and major political figures. Other prominent figures, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, have joined the chorus of voices condemning the attempt to bypass standard consultation processes with global Football Associations.

## Key Facts

- Infantino proposed selling a 20% share of the FIFA World Cup to private investors.
- Three continental confederations officially rejected the investment plan.
- Luis Figo accused Infantino of attempting to force through major structural changes for personal enrichment.
- The proposal included controversial considerations for biennial World Cup tournaments.
- Internal dissent has grown among senior FIFA officials and technical advisers.

## Why It Matters

The conflict highlights a fundamental divide between FIFA's executive leadership and the broader football community regarding the commercialization of the sport's premier tournament. The resistance from confederations and respected former players suggests a significant mandate crisis for Infantino as he approaches his next re-election bid. The accusations of a lack of transparency regarding the FIFA Forward Enterprise have reignited long-standing concerns about governance and ethics within the organization.

Source: The Hindu — Sport

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/luis-figo-demands-infantino-resignation-fifa-world-cup-privatization-wjc9v
Reported from: The Hindu — Sport