Michel Platini demands Gianni Infantino step down from FIFA leadership

Former UEFA president Michel Platini has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, citing a series of governance failures and rule violations during his tenure. Platini highlighted concerns regarding unauthorized hydration breaks, excessive half-time extensions during the recent World Cup, and a controversial reversal of a red card decision involving Folarin Balogun. These criticisms follow broader accusations from UEFA, which has accused the FIFA president of criminal mismanagement related to proposed private financing plans. Infantino now faces pressure from multiple football governing bodies, including CONCACAF and Asia, as he seeks re-election this coming March. Meanwhile, Platini has initiated legal action in France against Infantino, Marco Villiger, and Domenico Scala, alleging a conspiracy to block his own 2015 bid for the FIFA presidency.

• 8:22 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA president Infantino 'must go', says ex-UEFA boss Platini