Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Luis Figo has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, calling for the controversial football chief to step down amid growing unrest over his leadership. In a strongly worded opinion piece published by the Daily Mail, the Portugal legend criticised Infantino over his now-shelved plan to bring private investment into the World Cup’s commercial structure. The plan involved creating a new commercial arm to oversee FIFA’s biggest competitions, including both the men’s and women’s World Cups.
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FIFA was looking to secure as much as $4.2 billion by offering investors a stake of roughly 20 per cent, with the proposed division carrying an estimated valuation of $20 billion. The proposal attracted widespread opposition, with particular concern surrounding the lack of transparency around how it was developed.
“What I have seen exposed in the last 10 days is the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behavior I have ever witnessed,” said Figo
FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour added to the criticism last week when he described the initiative as “the project of one person”. Other senior figures within the organisation have also distanced themselves from the plan.
Carlos Cordeiro, the former president of U.S. Soccer and a one-time senior adviser to Infantino, resigned from his FIFA role last week. UEFA and Concacaf have likewise voiced concerns, with both governing bodies publicly questioning whether Infantino should continue leading FIFA.
Figo’s intervention adds another high-profile voice to the growing criticism. The former Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan star enjoyed a glittering two-decade career and remains one of Portugal’s most celebrated footballers.
“If it was such a good idea, why not tell your members when you had them all in a room before the World Cup final?” the 53-year-old said.
“If it was such a robust plan, why not tell your members the risks as well as what you describe as the benefits?
“If the scheme was a no-brainer, why not be honest about the fact that it was going to give you a $30m-a-year job at the end of it?”
Figo, however, believes FIFA would be better served by seeing the back of Infantino sooner rather than later.
“Infantino has debased the office of FIFA President that he promised to elevate,” Figo said. “He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.”
“It is too late to save his dignity but it is not too late to save football. He should go. Now,” said Figo.
Despite the mounting pressure, Infantino’s immediate departure appears unlikely. He is expected to seek another term as FIFA president at the election in March and has shown no indication that he intends to resign before then.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
