The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has formally called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, making it the first national association to do so. NFF President Lise Klaveness declared that Infantino has lost all institutional trust following a controversial and aborted plan to sell World Cup commercial stakes to private investors.
Infantino Faces Mounting Pressure
The demand comes amid ongoing governance controversies that have plagued FIFA's leadership. Klaveness, speaking after a meeting of the Norwegian federation's governing bodies, stated unequivocally that Infantino can no longer lead the global football body effectively.
"He does not have the institutional trust required to lead FIFA in a stable manner in the current climate. There is no turning back for Gianni Infantino," Klaveness said. "We are going to ask the FIFA president to resign now. Given the chaos we find ourselves in, he can no longer be the figure capable of uniting people."
Failed World Cup Commercial Plan
The controversy stems from FIFA's abandoned proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The plan was widely criticized and ultimately scrapped, with FIFA issuing an apology. However, the damage to Infantino's credibility appears to have been significant, particularly among European football associations.
Infantino had earlier appeared to stave off an internal revolt during a summit with top staff in Rabat, Morocco. FIFA claimed the president received full support from attendees at that meeting. Yet, the Norwegian federation's formal demand now signals a significant crack in that facade.
UEFA Threatens Boycott
Adding to the pressure, UEFA, European soccer's governing body, reiterated that its threat to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions remains in place. This stance persists despite FIFA's abandonment and apology for the failed investment plan. UEFA has expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino's leadership.
The Norwegian federation's move could potentially inspire other national associations to follow suit, escalating the crisis for Infantino. The football world now watches to see if more federations will join the call for his resignation, potentially leading to a significant leadership upheaval at FIFA.
