**Title: German FA Vice President Calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's Resignation**
In a bold statement at a festival in Berlin, Hans-Joachim Watzke, vice president of the German Football Association (DFB), has called for Gianni Infantino to resign from his position as FIFA president, declaring, “He has to go, no ifs or buts.” This remark comes as Infantino prepares for re-election in March 2027, where he currently stands as the only candidate.
Watzke's comments reflect growing discontent within the football community regarding Infantino's leadership. Notably, the DFB was one of the few federations that did not endorse Infantino’s re-election, highlighting a significant rift between the German football body and FIFA's current administration.
Watzke outlined three primary grievances that he believes warrant Infantino's departure. First, he criticized the introduction of the FIFA Peace Prize, which was awarded to former U.S. President Donald Trump in December 2025 during the draw for the 2026 World Cup. Watzke described the creation of the award as “madness,” emphasizing that Infantino unilaterally established the prize and chose its recipient without broader consultation or transparency.
The second point of contention raised by Watzke involved the controversial handling of a red card issued to American forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup. Balogun was sent off in a match, but his suspension was lifted following a phone call from Trump to Infantino. Watzke expressed disbelief at the notion that a head of state could influence FIFA's disciplinary decisions, labeling the incident as “madness” and indicative of a troubling power dynamic.
Watzke’s third criticism focused on a now-abandoned plan to create a commercial company that would have allowed private investors to participate in FIFA's operations. This proposal, which was unveiled and subsequently retracted within a matter of days, sparked significant backlash and was reportedly unknown to many within FIFA's leadership, including Infantino's vice presidents. Watzke described the initiative as “completely insane,” further illustrating a lack of communication and trust within FIFA's governance.
Echoing Watzke's sentiments, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf also indicated that it is time for a change in leadership at FIFA. In a recent interview, Neuendorf remarked that the relationship of trust with Infantino has been “completely shattered,” emphasizing the need for a new direction for FIFA.
As it stands, Infantino's presidency faces mounting scrutiny, and the DFB's vocal opposition may signal a broader movement within the football community advocating for leadership change. With the election for FIFA president scheduled for March 18, 2027, the window for potential candidates remains open until November 18, 2026, leaving room for other football federations to consider their positions on Infantino's leadership.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Infantino's presidency reflect deeper issues within FIFA, as stakeholders grapple with governance, transparency, and the integrity of football’s global governing body. As calls for reform grow louder, the future of FIFA’s leadership remains uncertain.