"Even worse than Blatter." Former key FIFA figure calls for Infantino's removal

The 73-year-old Swiss criminal law expert outlined methods to remove his compatriot, who faces significant criticism, particularly in Europe, in an interview with the German newspaper Tagesspiegel on Monday.

"FIFA is an institutional organization. Every member association can vote, remove someone from office, or even file a lawsuit. Every FIFA member has this option," stated Pieth, who highlighted "Infantino's system."

He claimed that, in his opinion, the ethics committee, for example, exists only in name, and that there is no independence or oversight within FIFA. "He essentially perfected Joseph Blatter's system. Even more than Blatter, Infantino is driven by a thirst for power and money," added Pieth, who further noted that he believes no one will stand against Infantino because he is considered "untouchable."

From 2011 to 2013, Pieth led the independent Governance Committee, which aimed to democratize FIFA. Blatter headed world football's governing body from 1998 to 2015. Pieth believes that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) holds a crucial position in any resistance against Infantino.

The 56-year-old Swiss faced criticism both before and during the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This was primarily due to a phone call with US President Donald Trump, who asked Infantino to review the red card given to American forward Folarin Balogun.

FIFA subsequently lifted Balogun's suspension before the Round of 16 match against Belgium, in which the home team, with Balogun in the lineup, ultimately lost 1-4. Both Trump and Infantino confirmed the phone call. UEFA stated that this decision crossed a red line.

"UEFA could say: 'We'll do it ourselves, we'll leave FIFA and organize a major European championship.' Of course, many countries would be missing, but this World Cup shows that Europe is the strongest continent in football. Without Europe, essentially nothing works. The associations should use this power," Pieth expressed, adding: "UEFA could also aggressively challenge FIFA based on competition law. However, it seems there is currently no will within European football to unite and take action against Infantino."