FOOTBALL FANS' GROUPS DEMAND INFANTINO RESIGNATION OVER WORLD CUP PLAN

Supporters' organisations worldwide have launched a petition calling for the resignation of Gianni Infantino as Fifa president and demanding structural reform of the governing body. The petition, hosted on change.org, has gathered backing from fan groups across all six Fifa confederations. The move follows Infantino's decision to abandon plans to seek private investment to run Fifa competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups.

Three continental confederations accused Infantino of "deception" regarding how the private investment scheme was developed and presented. Uefa, European football's governing body, has stated it has "lost confidence" in Infantino's leadership and remains determined to boycott Fifa events. A statement on behalf of the fan organisations stated: "The shameful attempt by one individual – the Fifa president himself – to sell off the World Cup to private investors exposed a betrayal football will never forget." The petition also cites Fifa's involvement in discussions concerning the European Super League and its ticket pricing structure for this summer's men's World Cup.

The petition calls for formal involvement of fans and other key football stakeholders in decisions shaping the future of the sport. Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, which signed the petition, stated that Infantino's departure "is a first and a must, but that can only have a positive impact if it's followed by some reform of the office and of governance." Infantino retains support in regions including Africa and South America.