NFF Denies Calling for Gianni Infantino to Resign as FIFA President

Posted : 09 August 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation has denied reports claiming it joined calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down. The NFF said on Saturday that the reports circulating on social media are false and urged the public to disregard them.

The clarification comes as Infantino faces growing criticism over a proposed FIFA commercial venture involving private investment. FIFA had outlined plans for the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new FIFA-controlled company that would combine commercial rights and tournament operations.

The proposal included broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, ticketing and other commercial rights. FIFA said the venture was designed to unlock additional revenue for its 211 member associations and increase funding for football development.

The plan attracted strong opposition from several football authorities. UEFA and CONCACAF were among those raising concerns, while reports also indicated that FIFA was seeking member associations' support through financial incentives of up to $40 million.

Amid the controversy, reports emerged that the NFF had joined associations demanding Infantino's resignation. The Nigerian federation has now firmly rejected that claim and said it has not asked the FIFA president to leave office.

The issue is particularly significant because Infantino continues to have support from parts of the football world despite the criticism. His position also remains secure for now, with the FIFA president having already announced his intention to contest the next presidential election.

Infantino confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in May that he would seek another term in 2027. He thanked the 211 member associations for their support during his first decade as FIFA president and declared his intention to remain in the role.

The proposed private investment plan has since become a major source of pressure around FIFA's leadership. The organisation had initially said the project would only proceed with majority support from member associations and approval from the FIFA Council.

For the NFF, however, the message is now clear: Nigeria's football governing body has not called for Infantino's resignation. The federation's statement also distances it from reports suggesting that it had taken a position different from the wider stance of African football leadership.

Infantino's future will ultimately be determined by FIFA's member associations at the 2027 presidential election. Until then, the NFF has made clear that it is not among those publicly demanding his removal.

NFF Denies Calling for Gianni Infantino to Resign as FIFA President

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