Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), has called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down. Mooney stated that Infantino should resign due to the "harm that's been done to football" following a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
Although the plan has since been withdrawn, Mooney, who previously worked with Infantino at UEFA, believes the FIFA president's career should conclude. "If I was sitting with Gianni right now, I would say to him he's had a very good career," Mooney remarked. He acknowledged Infantino's positive contributions during his time as general secretary of UEFA and noted advancements in FIFA, such as the technical development scheme spearheaded by Arsene Wenger.
However, Mooney asserted, "But unfortunately with this episode that took place, with the proposal to sell off the crown jewels if you will, I definitely think he should look to step down."
Earlier this month, Wales became the first home nation to withdraw its backing for Infantino's bid to continue as FIFA president. Infantino had been facing increasing pressure over his strategy to establish a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights for all FIFA competitions, with plans to sell a 21% stake to a private investment firm.