Crisis in Morocco: Infantino summoned as Figo calls for his ouster

FIFA President Gianni Infantino touched down in the Moroccan city of Sale on Wednesday, just hours after former Portugal star Luis Figo publicly demanded his resignation. The stark contrast between the governing body’s on‑site crisis summit and Figo’s outspoken call highlights a deepening governance rift.

The meeting comes amid mounting pressure over the aborted £3.1 billion World Cup stake sale. The story was filed by Michael Pavitt, Sports Reporter, and Mike Keegan, Chief Sports Reporter, at 15:44 BST on 5 August 2026 and updated at 16:38 BST the same day.

Infantino had summoned senior FIFA officials to Sale after details of the £3.1 billion plan leaked last week, prompting an emergency gathering of the governing body’s top brass.

The Swiss football administrator subsequently scrapped the proposal following widespread opposition, including an internal rebellion among FIFA staff.

Both UEFA and CONCACAF have publicly called for Infantino to step down, with European officials declaring a lack of confidence in the FIFA President.

Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein accused Infantino of blackmail, making Jordan the first Asian nation to rebel and the 91st member association to move against him; 106 nations are required to depose the President.

A car carrying Infantino was seen arriving at FIFA’s Africa regional office in Sale on Wednesday, confirming his presence at the emergency meeting that followed Figo’s demand.

In an explosive Sport piece, Luis Figo described the aborted World Cup sell‑off as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self‑interested behaviour” he has ever witnessed, branding Infantino a “relic who should have no part in football’s future”.

FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour said he felt “deceived” by the project, former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger distanced himself, and secretary‑general Mattias Grafström sent an internal email calling the recent events “a sad and reproachable series of events”.

According to The Times, allies of Infantino attempted to persuade “FIFA legends” to publicly back him, but the former international players have reportedly declined to do so.

The juxtaposition of Infantino’s on‑ground crisis management with Figo’s public demand underscores a governance showdown that could force decisive action at forthcoming FIFA assemblies.