German football leaders demand end to Gianni Infantino's FIFA leadership

High-ranking football officials are calling for the removal of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing a breakdown in trust and several recent scandals. Bernd Neuendorf, President of the German Football Association (DFB), stated that it is ‘absolutely necessary’ to end the ‘Infantino system,’ noting that trust in the current leadership has been broken.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, DFB Vice-President and Bundesliga League President, also demanded Infantino’s departure, stating, ‘He should go, without ifs and buts.’ Watzke highlighted three specific grievances: the unilateral creation of a FIFA Peace Prize for Donald Trump, the controversial lifting of a red card for US player Folarin Balogun following a call from the US President, and a failed plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors without consulting football associations.

European football organizations, including UEFA, are increasingly aligned against Infantino. While the FIFA President intends to run for re-election in March 2027, several European associations, including those from France and Austria, have already withdrawn their support. UEFA is reportedly preparing to propose a candidate to oppose his candidacy.