Andy Burnham, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, demands Gianni Infantino's immediate resignation: “He is the wrong man to lead FIFA”

Burnham says football’s governing body needs new leadership as opposition to Infantino’s proposals grows

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has become the latest high-profile figure to call for Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA president, claiming the Swiss football administrator is no longer the right person to lead world football.

Burnham criticized Infantino’s controversial plans to introduce private investment into the FIFA World Cup, describing the proposal as an “outrageous suggestion”. The Prime Minister argued that football’s biggest tournament should remain centered around supporters rather than financial interests from wealthy investors.

Speaking to reporters in Sheffield, Burnham said the very fact the proposal had been considered showed his concerns about FIFA’s leadership.

“This was an outrageous suggestion. The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organization,” said Burnham.

The Everton fan joined a growing list of politicians and football figures questioning Infantino’s position after widespread opposition to the plans emerged.

Infantino’s proposal aims to attract around £3.1 billion in private investment into the World Cup, but the idea has faced strong resistance from football organizations across the globe. UEFA has opposed the plans, while Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have also raised concerns over the potential impact on the tournament’s future.

FIFA president faces mounting pressure from football leaders

The opposition has intensified as more officials have challenged the direction of FIFA under Infantino’s leadership. Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, publicly criticized the proposal, describing it as a project driven by one individual and urging football leaders to consider whether the organization was heading in the right direction.

"Our mission - the mission of the hundreds of passionate, dedicated, and exemplary Fifa employees - is to serve football,” Lamour said in his statement.

"A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite.

"If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."

Further pressure arrived when Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser on global strategy and governance, resigned from his position. Cordeiro reportedly described the proposal as a poor deal for football and warned it could damage the sport’s future.

The Asian Football Confederation also announced that it stood alongside European and North American football authorities in opposing the plans.The AFC said the World Cup’s strength comes from global participation and unity, warning that any proposal threatening that principle needed to be reconsidered.

The political backlash in Britain has continued to grow. Chancellor John Healey backed the Football Association and UEFA’s stance, saying the World Cup should not be treated as something available for sale. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also supported the opposition, insisting that football belongs to fans rather than billionaire investors.

Infantino’s future could now become a major issue within FIFA. The organization has 211 member nations, meaning a majority of 106 votes would be needed for certain decisions. With UEFA, Concacaf and Asian football bodies opposing the proposal, Infantino could struggle to secure enough support.

While the FIFA president has not suggested he plans to resign, calls for change are increasing.