Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign immediately after rejecting an apology over controversial World Cup investment plans.
Speaking at a Friday press conference, Klaveness confirmed that the Norwegian federation will not support Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election. She told broadcaster NRK that Infantino should step down now and insisted there is no turning back.
Criticism from Figo and European federations
Klaveness joined former Portugal international and 2000 Ballon d'Or winner Luis Figo in demanding Infantino step down. Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, Figo said he could write 10,000 words on FIFA problems, but the solution required just three words stating Infantino must go. Figo, who was a professional player for 20 years, called the actions revealed over the past 10 days the most hypocritical and cowardly behavior he had ever witnessed.
The calls follow backlash over a FIFA proposal to allow external investors into the World Cup. Infantino and FIFA apologized after the criticism, but Infantino declared he intends to remain in office. Klaveness described the apology as insincere and focused on position retention. Governing body UEFA judged the apology insufficient, keeping a potential World Cup boycott active, a stance Klaveness indicated remains her priority.
