CORNERFLICK
53-year-old Luís Figo has written a highly critical letter attacking Gianni Infantino, which was published by the Daily Mail. In the letter, he directly targets the FIFA president.
Figo opens his letter by writing:
"I could write 10,000 words about FIFA's problems, but the solution requires only three words: Infantino must go. I have loved football all my life. I spent 20 years as a professional player. And believe me, throughout my career in this sport I have encountered many dishonorable people. But what I have witnessed over the past 10 days is the most despicable, deceitful, and cowardly display of selfishness I have ever seen."
He then criticizes Infantino's proposal to sell 20 percent of the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup:
"If this idea was truly so good, why didn't you present it to all the members when you had them gathered in one room before the World Cup final? If the proposal was so sound, why didn't you inform the members of its risks alongside the benefits you describe? If it was so straightforward, why weren't you honest about the fact that it would ultimately create a job for you paying an annual salary of $30 million? None of that happened. Because it is not a good idea. When there is no transparency about the enormous profits that private equity firms are always seeking, this proposal can no longer be considered solid or trustworthy."
Figo continues:
"Given the long list of abuses he has inflicted on the credibility of football, none of this comes as a surprise—from suspending and overturning disciplinary decisions to violating the Laws of the Game for the sake of a halftime spectacle. Nothing stands in the way of pleasing his friends. Nor is it surprising to read the comments of Prince Ali, President of the Jordan Football Association, who has exposed the mafia-like behavior of FIFA under Infantino's leadership. By obstructing his federation's activities and funding, FIFA is seeking to extract a nomination letter to ensure the continuation of this appalling reign of self-interest. Football does need a serious discussion about money—but not about money that could be extracted from the sport for investors, nor about the inflated salaries of executives."
Figo concludes by emphasizing Infantino's lack of internal support and the growing criticism he faces within the organization:
"Infantino has diminished the office of the FIFA presidency that he once promised to elevate. He has lied, deceived, and attempted to use a sport he is supposed to serve as a means of enriching himself. He has lost the support of his executive team, his closest advisers, the overwhelming majority of those who have dedicated their lives to this sport, and apparently even the support of the FIFA Peace Award recipient. It is too late to save his reputation, but it is not too late to save football. He must go. Now."