The Guardian's Case for Infantino's Resignation as Fifa President
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/editorial. "The Guardian view on Gianni Infantino: in the interests of the game he professes to love, he should go | Editorial | The Guardian." August 7, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The Guardian argues that Fifa president Gianni Infantino should step down because he tried to sell part of the World Cup to private investors in a deal that could have personally benefited him while harming football's governance. His weak apology and refusal to resign, combined with widespread condemnation from football officials and legends, plus a pattern of past controversial decisions, means his continued leadership risks tearing football's governing bodies apart.
Conclusion
Gianni Infantino should resign as Fifa president, in the interests of football.
Premises
- Infantino attempted to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity (linked to Donald Trump's son-in-law's brother), which would have imperilled the governance of the world's most popular sport.
- This deal could have led to Infantino's personal enrichment, constituting a betrayal of the game's interests, especially given Fifa already holds billions in reserves and had no financial need for such a sale.
- Infantino's response to the scandal—a half-hearted apology and an attempt to 'brazen out the storm'—shows a lack of accountability and self-awareness.
- Senior Fifa figures, football legends (Wenger, Figo), Uefa, and now national federations (Norway) have expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership.
- This is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of controversial decisions (the 2022 Qatar World Cup award, suspension of red cards) that Infantino has previously ignored or provoked without consequence.
- Continued division—with some nations (Mexico, Argentina, African federations) supporting Infantino while Europe and others oppose him—risks descending into an 'ugly civil war' within global football, including boycotts of Fifa competitions.
- Unless Infantino resigns, is forced out, or is ousted via election, this damaging institutional crisis will continue.
Assumptions
- Fifa's governance and integrity are best served by leadership accountability rather than tolerance of controversial financial dealings.
- The private equity deal was inherently harmful to football's interests, not a legitimate business opportunity.
- Loss of confidence from major stakeholders (Uefa, football legends, federations) is a valid indicator that leadership should change.
- Past controversies (Qatar, red card suspensions) are relevantly similar precedents that support the current criticism.
- Infantino's personal enrichment motive, or the perception of it, is disqualifying for continued leadership.
- A boycott or civil war within Fifa is a worse outcome than Infantino resigning, making resignation the preferable path.