“I have stayed quiet for a long time because I wanted to judge this World Cup on football matters. But the deeper we get into the preparations, the more it becomes clear that football is no longer the main story. For that reason, I believe Gianni Infantino should seriously consider stepping down as FIFA President.
A World Cup should unite people. Instead, this tournament is becoming a symbol of division, political disputes, travel restrictions, and administrative failures.
We are hearing reports that Iranian supporters have had their ticket allocations withdrawn. We have seen the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, selected by FIFA on merit to officiate at the highest level, yet reportedly denied entry into the host country. These are not minor issues. They strike at the heart of what the World Cup is supposed to represent.
FIFA cannot continue promoting football as a universal game while qualified supporters, officials, and participants face barriers that appear unrelated to football itself. The organisation’s first responsibility is to protect the integrity and accessibility of the competition.
What concerns me most is that these problems were foreseeable. FIFA awarded the tournament, FIFA approved the arrangements, and FIFA repeatedly assured the football world that everyone would be welcomed. If those assurances are proving unreliable, then accountability must start at the very top.
Leadership is not about appearing in photographs with politicians or celebrating commercial success. Leadership is about taking responsibility when things go wrong. That is why I believe Mr Infantino must ask himself whether he is still the right person to lead world football.
The rising cost of attending matches is another serious concern. Many loyal supporters who follow their countries through qualification campaigns can no longer afford to attend the tournament. Football risks becoming an exclusive event for corporations and wealthy spectators rather than the ordinary fans who built the game.
The World Cup belongs to the world, not to governments, political interests, or football administrators. It belongs to the players, the referees, and the supporters.
If FIFA cannot guarantee that all three are treated fairly and equally, then it has failed in its most fundamental duty.
The football world deserves answers, accountability, and leadership. If those cannot be provided under the current administration, then perhaps the time has come for new leadership at FIFA.”
