Former UEFA president Michel Platini has renewed his criticism of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, stating that the current leadership has failed to uphold the laws of football and should step down. Speaking to French broadcaster Canal Plus on Monday, Platini said, “I believe Infantino has failed because he is the guarantor of the game’s rules, and he has not respected them. Therefore, I think he must leave.”
Pressure Mounts Over World Cup Commercial Plans
Platini’s remarks come amid growing pressure on Infantino following the collapse of his proposal to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking re-election next year. The failed initiative has added to concerns about his leadership style and decision-making.
Rule Violations and Controversial Decisions
The Frenchman also pointed to several decisions made during the recent World Cup that he believes breached official regulations. “Commercial water breaks are not stipulated in the rules, nor is the 30-minute halftime interval in the final match,” Platini noted. He singled out the red card incident as “the worst case,” referring to the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun being overturned, allowing him to play in the next game after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Infantino.
This incident sparked widespread debate, as FIFA regulations explicitly prohibit any form of political interference in football matters. Platini argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the sport and its governing bodies.
A Long History Between Platini and Infantino
Platini and Infantino share a long professional history within European football. Infantino served as UEFA’s general secretary for several years while Platini was president of the organization. However, their relationship soured after Platini was banned from football-related activities in 2015 over a payment he received from FIFA, which prevented him from running for the FIFA presidency as he had planned. Infantino assumed the role in 2016.
Reflecting on Infantino’s character, Platini said, “I always knew he loved money and power too much.” He added that football is now managed by a small group that considers itself the sole decision-maker, while the true stars of the game are players like Kylian Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane, and Diego Maradona.
UEFA’s Legal Push Against Infantino
Meanwhile, UEFA is reportedly preparing to escalate its pressure on Infantino through legal channels, including plans to file a criminal complaint related to the proposed investor deal. Platini believes this judicial route may be the most effective way to challenge the FIFA president. “I think the matter will not be resolved through sports authorities. If UEFA wants to bring down Infantino, I believe it will happen through the judicial authorities,” he stated.