Figo Slams Infantino's FIFA Leadership as 'Deceitful' and 'Self-Interested'

Football icon Luis Figo has launched a scathing attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of "the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour" he has ever witnessed in the sport. Figo, a former professional player with 20 years of experience and 127 caps for Portugal, stated that Infantino's actions are driven by a desire to please his friends and that he must step down immediately.

In an opinion piece, Figo criticized Infantino for allegedly attempting to push through major changes that would benefit himself and his associates, without transparency. He questioned why Infantino did not disclose the full details, including potential personal financial gains, to FIFA members when they were gathered before the World Cup Final. "If it was such a good idea, why not tell your members when you had them all in a room before the World Cup Final?" Figo asked. He also pointed to allegations of Infantino obstructing the work of other football associations, citing comments from Jordan FA president Prince Ali regarding "mob-like behaviour" within FIFA.

Figo argued that Infantino has compromised FIFA's reputation through various actions, including suspending and reversing disciplinary decisions and allegedly breaking the laws of the game. He believes Infantino has "lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve."

Figo proposed that FIFA's substantial reserves of $5 billion could be used to invest in the sport, such as building pitches and training coaches, rather than seeking external private equity investment. He drew parallels between Infantino's alleged plan and the European Super League, both of which he stated were exposed by the media before their proponents could adequately explain them.

"It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football," Figo concluded, reiterating his call for Infantino's immediate departure. Figo has served as a UEFA football advisor since 2017 and had a career spanning Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan.