Luís Figo, the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner and former Real Madrid icon, has issued a scathing public letter that directly challenges Gianni Infantino’s stewardship of FIFA.
A Letter That Shook FIFA
In the missive, Figo accuses the Swiss‑born president of deceitful and self‑interested conduct, demanding his immediate resignation after a proposed sale of World Cup and Club World Cup broadcasting rights collapsed under intense opposition.
The scheme, which would have turned FIFA’s $4.2 billion portfolio into private equity stakes, was abandoned after stakeholders warned that the move would jeopardize the sport’s integrity and alienate fans worldwide.
Figo further argues that Infantino’s claim that the deal would have delivered unprecedented financial rewards is a fabrication, pointing out that the organization already holds roughly $5 billion in reserves that could have funded any such transaction without relinquishing tournament rights.
Adding to the pressure, former FIFA vice‑president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein alleges that Infantino resorted to blackmail, insisting that Jordan’s national team would only receive promised funding if the prince publicly endorsed the president’s agenda.
A Reputation in Ruins
Describing Infantino as a relic of football’s past, Figo cites a series of controversial decisions — from reversing disciplinary rulings to bending game regulations for personal gain — that have eroded trust among senior officials and former legends.
While some Asian and African associations have voiced tentative support for Infantino, the African confederation has remained silent, and reports suggest that Asian backing is rapidly dwindling.
The climax of the crisis unfolded during a desperate summit in Morocco, where Infantino attempted to rally remaining allies amid mounting criticism from across the football community.
The fallout continues to reverberate through FIFA’s governance structures, with the organization’s official website, fifa.com, still grappling with internal dissent and external scrutiny.