Norway’s Football Federation (NFF) has become the first national association to openly call for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign following his failed plan to sell minority stakes in World Cup commercial rights. This demand was made during a meeting held on August 6, 2026, where NFF president Lise Klaveness expressed a complete loss of trust in Infantino.
Why it matters: The NFF’s call for Infantino’s resignation highlights growing discontent among European football associations and raises questions about FIFA’s governance under his leadership.
The NFF is the first to officially demand Infantino's resignation as of August 7, 2026.
This follows Infantino’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which aimed to commercialize World Cup profits.
Klaveness stated, "There is no going back for Gianni Infantino," emphasizing the depth of their concerns.
Driving the news: The NFF’s decision came after Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in World Cup rights was abandoned, leading to backlash from various football federations.
Infantino's FFE initiative faced strong criticism and was officially withdrawn by FIFA, which also issued an apology.
UEFA has reaffirmed its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, signaling a lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
The English Football Association and Football Association of Wales have both withdrawn their support for Infantino’s re-election next March.
State of play: Infantino remains under intense scrutiny as opposition grows, particularly from European football organizations.
Klaveness indicated Norway would formally communicate its stance to FIFA and monitor if other associations join their call for change.
Opposition to Infantino is increasing, yet he retains support from some member associations, including Mexico and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Klaveness has also pointed out governance issues including FIFA’s decisions on tournament hosting and the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump.
The big picture: The demand for Infantino’s resignation reflects broader tensions within FIFA and European football.
Norway’s position is stronger than that of other nations, such as England, Wales, Croatia, and Albania, which have withdrawn support but stopped short of demanding Infantino’s resignation.
UEFA’s continued threat to boycott FIFA competitions signifies a serious rift between European football and FIFA’s leadership.
Infantino has received backing from some nations, indicating a divided sentiment within global football.
What they're saying: The statements from key figures underline the severity of the situation.
“The trust is now gone for us, there is no way back for Infantino,” Klaveness said, emphasizing the urgency for change.
UEFA reiterated its lost confidence in Infantino, underscoring the need for effective governance reforms within FIFA.
Infantino appeared to have averted an internal revolt earlier this week, but the backlash from UEFA and Norway indicates that his troubles are far from over.
By the numbers: The response from various football associations showcases the growing divide within FIFA.
Norway is the first to demand Infantino's resignation, setting a precedent for other nations.
UEFA's threat to boycott FIFA competitions remains in place, emphasizing the seriousness of their stance.
Infantino is scheduled to seek re-election in March 2027, with increasing opposition from European nations.
What's next: The future of Infantino’s presidency hangs in the balance as various stakeholders weigh their options.
Norway plans to monitor reactions from other football associations and will communicate its position directly to FIFA.
As the 77th FIFA Congress approaches, Infantino will need to address these growing concerns to secure his position.
The situation may lead to more formal complaints against FIFA’s governance, particularly concerning the FFE and other controversial decisions.
The Norwegian Football Federation’s bold move signals a turning point in the governance of FIFA, and it is uncertain how Infantino will respond to the mounting pressure.