Infantino resignation call has intensified governance tensions within global football after Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness publicly urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down.
“There is no longer the institutional trust that Infantino needs to be able to lead FIFA effectively in the current situation,” Klaveness said following the NFF’s monthly board meeting. Her comments suggest an increasingly deep rift in the governance of international football at the highest level, especially between FIFA and some European football stakeholders.
The demand comes as part of what’s been an ongoing conflict in relation to FIFA’s now-cancelled attempt to monetize some of the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup in the future. The scheme had prompted opposition from governing bodies, who had concerns over centralisation of revenue control and direction for the future.
Klaveness’ situation is typical of the institutional issue generally – a loss of faith in the executive. She stressed the need for organization within football at the international level to be “in trouble” and there is a need for structural alignment and leadership stability in football.
The NFF is now looking for more backing from the rest of UEFA member associations, suggesting a prospect of a European alliance. Norway does not want to use the UEFA’s formal extraordinary meeting to call for the resignation of the FIFA president, but rather to underscore the issue in ongoing talks with the FIFA, indicating a diplomatic approach rather than a procedural step.
The Norwegian FA has had a number of issues raised with FIFA over the years, what Klaveness outlined in her legal background. This is a continuation of an ongoing governance issue.
