Former FIFA Chief: Infantino Thinks He's God, But UEFA Can Challenge Him

Marc Pieth, the former chairman of FIFA's independent Governance Committee, has urged member associations, particularly those in Europe, to challenge the global football body's president, Gianni Infantino. In an interview with Germany's "Tagesspiegel" today, the Swiss criminal law expert outlined methods to remove Infantino, who faces increasing criticism, especially across Europe.

"FIFA is an institutional association. Every member country can vote, remove someone from office, or even initiate legal proceedings against someone. Every FIFA member has this opportunity," Pieth stated.

The 73-year-old Swiss, a prominent anti-corruption expert and professor of criminal law at the University of Basel, noted a lack of such attempts, which he believes are necessary.

He argued that the Ethics Committee exists only "formally" and that "there is no independence within FIFA – and consequently, no oversight," added the legal expert, who has also consulted governments on genuine anti-corruption efforts.

"Essentially, he has perfected Sepp Blatter's system. Even more than Blatter, Infantino is driven by power and money." He further commented that no one currently challenges Infantino's leadership because he is perceived as untouchable.

"He believes only God is above him. And in his organization, that is essentially true," said Pieth, who led the independent Governance Committee between 2011 and 2013, aiming to democratize FIFA. During that time, the Swiss clashed with Blatter, who headed world football until 2015.

According to the professor, European governing body UEFA holds a crucial position in any resistance against Infantino. The FIFA president has faced considerable criticism during the current World Cup in North America, including allegations of significant influence from US President Donald Trump on certain decisions. Trump himself made no secret of calling the FIFA president regarding the red card shown to host nation striker Folarin Balogun.

"UEFA could say: We'll do it ourselves, we'll leave FIFA and organize a massive European Championship," Pieth suggested.

"Of course, many countries would be missing, but this World Cup shows that Europe is the most powerful continent in football. Without Europe, essentially nothing works. Associations must leverage this power."

"UEFA could also aggressively oppose FIFA regarding certain legal restrictions. But evidently, there is currently no desire in European football to unite and take action against Infantino," concluded the legal expert with regret. He leads initiatives to combat corruption and money laundering in all their forms through regulations, state monitoring, compliance, advocacy, and arbitration.