Headline: Michel Platini Urges Gianni Infantino to Resign as FIFA President Amid Controversies
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has publicly called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming he has not upheld the integrity of the sport. Platini criticized Infantino’s leadership, stating that he has failed his duty to safeguard football’s regulations.
In his statement, Platini highlighted various contentious decisions made during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the introduction of extra breaks during matches and a controversial extension of half-time in the final to 30 minutes.
Additionally, Platini condemned the management of a red card incident involving American striker Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was later lifted following intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Infantino has faced significant backlash over the World Cup’s administrative aspects, and his position has been further compromised by his unexpected proposal allowing private investors to hold a stake in FIFA.
As the 2027 FIFA presidential election nears, UEFA, along with CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is reportedly escalating its opposition to Infantino.
Infantino has been serving as FIFA president since 2016 and is seeking another term at the organization’s upcoming congress in Morocco scheduled for March 2027.
Platini believes that UEFA’s push against Infantino might ultimately lead to legal action. He suggested that engaging the courts could be a more effective strategy than attempting a removal through sports’ governing bodies.
Meanwhile, UEFA is preparing to present a ‘disloyal management’ complaint against Infantino under Swiss law, while actively seeking a candidate to run against him in 2027.
“This will not be resolved, and he will not fall through the sporting authorities,” Platini stated (via RMC).
“I think that if UEFA wants to bring Infantino down, it will be through the courts. I always knew that he loved money and power.”
Once a possible contender for the FIFA presidency, Platini couldn’t pursue the role due to fraud allegations, although he was exonerated in Switzerland in August 2025.
Platini harbors a strained relationship with Infantino, accusing the FIFA president of exploiting his own downfall and has even filed a complaint in France for defamation and influence peddling.
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has called on Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA president, accusing him of failing to respect the rules of football.
Platini criticised Infantino’s leadership, arguing that the FIFA president has failed in his responsibility to protect the game’s rules.
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The France legend pointed to several controversial decisions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including additional breaks during matches and the decision to extend half-time in the final to 30 minutes.
He also criticised the handling of the red card incident involving American striker Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was overturned after intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Infantino has been heavily criticised for the World Cup, and his position has been further weakened by his shocking plan to allow private investors to own a part of FIFA.
UEFA, together with CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has reportedly increased its opposition to Infantino as the 2027 FIFA presidential election approaches.
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Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 but wants another term at the organisation’s upcoming congress in Morocco in March 2027.
Platini believes UEFA’s efforts to challenge Infantino could eventually be settled in court.
He suggested that taking legal action against Infantino could be more effective than attempting to remove the FIFA president through sporting institutions.
Meanwhile, UEFA is preparing to lodge a ‘disloyal management’ complaint against Infantino under Swiss law while looking for a candidate to oppose him in 2027.
“This will not be resolved, and he will not fall through the sporting authorities,” Platini said (via RMC).
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“I think that if UEFA wants to bring Infantino down, it will be through the courts. I always knew that he loved money and power.”
Platini was once considered a potential FIFA president, but he couldn’t run for the position due to fraud allegations. He was finally acquitted in Switzerland in August 2025.
Platini still has a bitter relationship with Infantino.
He has accused the FIFA president of benefiting from his downfall and has filed a complaint against him in France over allegations of defamation and influence peddling.
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