Politics · Malaysia Bureau
FIFA president must step down, says German FA official
A senior figure at the German Football Association has called for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA president, citing three specific concerns about his leadership.
LSN Malaysia ·
Hans-Joachim Watzke, vice-president of the German Football Association (DFB), has publicly demanded the removal of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, marking a significant show of dissent from one of Europe's major football governing bodies.
Watzke pointed to three particular areas of criticism against Infantino's stewardship of world football's governing body. The executive did not immediately detail all three points in initial statements, but his intervention represents mounting pressure on the FIFA leadership from established football institutions.
The call for Infantino's departure reflects broader concerns within international football circles regarding his tenure at FIFA. Germany's DFB is one of the most influential football associations globally, and Watzke's position as vice-president gives considerable weight to his public stance.
Infantino has faced various controversies during his time leading FIFA, though the organization has maintained his continued support among member associations. The German FA's position suggests growing rifts within football's international governance structure.
No immediate response from FIFA or Infantino's office was available regarding Watzke's statement.