Gianni Infantino Faces Resignation Calls Amid World Cup Backlash

Fifa president Gianni Infantino faced calls to resign as Gary Lineker joined the backlash over the World Cup controversy. Infantino was heavily criticized for overturning Folarin Balogun's suspension, which occurred after apparent interference from Donald Trump. On July 7, 2026, Harry Latham-Coyle reported that Trump had bragged about contacting Infantino to request a review of Balogun's sanction, which allowed the player to participate in the United States’ round of 16 defeat to Belgium.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also called for Infantino to resign regarding the Balogun incident. Balogun had been sent off during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a FIFA disciplinary committee suspended his ban, enabling him to play against Belgium. Trump and Infantino's long-standing friendship, showcased when Trump received the inaugural "Fifa Peace Prize" in December, spurred significant criticism in the football community. Klopp described the situation as madness, questioning the legitimacy of decisions made due to political interference.

Lineker, a former England striker, suggested that USA manager Mauricio Pochettino should have considered omitting Balogun from the squad for the match against Belgium. He acknowledged Belgium’s prowess but opined that it would have been better for Balogun or Pochettino to prioritize the integrity of the sport.

Infantino also received condemnation from his predecessor, Sepp Blatter, who faced an eight-year ban from football, as well as from UEFA. Calls for Infantino's resignation came not only from football figures like David Bernstein, a former chair of the Football Association, but also from British politicians. Bernstein emphasized the importance of universal regulations in football, stating the issue undermined the sport's integrity.

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey asserted that "Infantino must go," underscoring that the World Cup, regardless of location, belongs to the fans and not to individuals like Trump. Infantino, who has been Fifa president since 2016, confirmed earlier this year his intention to seek re-election for another four-year term in 2027.