Portuguese legend Luis Figo has slammed Gianni Infantino's leadership of FIFA in a damning statement on the sport's governing body.
Figo is no stranger when it comes to speaking his mind about FIFA, having formally launched a campaign in 2015 for the FIFA presidency, on a platform advocating for increased transparency.
He ultimately withdrew shortly before the vote, expressing frustration with an undemocratic electoral process – and now he's had more to say about Infantino…
Luis Figo's statement on Gianni Infantino in full
As an Inter Milan fan, Infantino would have once been a huge fan of Figo – but following the 53-year-old's latest comments, he may have to rescind such adoration.
“Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President,” Figo said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate. He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.
“He has lost the support of his senior staff, his closest advisers, the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport and even, it would seem, the FIFA Peace Prize winner.
“It is too late to save his dignity, but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now. #Infantinout”
Would Luis Figo run for presidency again?
Figo has not stated whether he is still weighing up a bid to become FIFA president, having previously put himself forward 11 years ago.
Fans from across the world (excluding Barcelona, perhaps) would likely be in favour of the former winger taking the reins at the organisation: Figo has been an outspoken critic of the way that the game has been run under the likes of Sepp Blatter and Gianni Infantino, and with widespread clamour for the governing body to reform, a former professional player would be a popular option.
Despite this, there's no guarantee that Figo would be a hit with the viewing public. Arsene Wenger has spent most of his life playing and managing at the top level – and his suggestions for ‘daylight’ offside and a World Cup every two years have been almost unanimously panned.
Besides, Figo has very little experience – which may not sway voters. Infantino had previously served as Secretary General of UEFA for seven years prior to becoming FIFA president, overseeing the expansion of the European Championship to 24 teams: something that he replicated at the World Cup to great success.
There may also be a feeling from confederations other than UEFA that it's time to give the role to a non-European, with Joao Havelange the federation's last president from the rest of the world. The Brazilian stepped down in 1998 and remains the only man from outside Europe to have served in office.
Ex-Real Madrid star Figo has previously served as an ambassador for FIFA, and requires the backing of five member associations.
Has a former footballer ever been FIFA president?
No, a professional player has never been FIFA president – though funnily enough, a former Olympic swimmer has been.
Figures such as Jules Rimet, Stanley Rous, Blatter and Infantino himself entered the world of sport after backgrounds in law or administration – though Joao Havelange did swim competitively for Brazil.
Figo was not alone in his bid in 2015 to become FIFA president, however: Brazilian legend Zico announced his desire to stand for the presidency following Blatter's resignation, but failed to secure the mandatory written backing of five national football associations – while David Ginola also talked up a potential bid.
