Former Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has delivered a strong criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing the world football chief of prioritising personal interests over the long-term development of the game.
The experienced French coach, who has managed several African national teams during his career, voiced his concerns over a series of issues linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and broader football governance. Among the matters he highlighted was the controversy surrounding the tournament and FIFA’s decision to cancel the red card shown to United States defender Balogun.
Speaking in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, Le Roy said his concerns extended beyond the World Cup and focused on what he believes is Infantino’s growing influence over African football.
“It’s not just about the World Cup, but also about the Africa Cup of Nations and his relationship with the Confederation of African Football. He sees himself as the saviour of Africa, something he wouldn’t dare do for a moment in the European Championship, the Copa America, or the Asian Cup,” Le Roy told L’Equipe.
The 77-year-old argued that the FIFA president exercises significant authority in African football and claimed that influence is tied to the continent’s importance in FIFA elections.
“He comes and sits at the top, he is the one who tells the head of state, Come sit here, he is the one who distributes all the medals,” he added.
Le Roy went on to accuse Infantino of taking advantage of the voting strength of African member associations instead of concentrating on football’s progress across the continent.
“He is exploiting the greed and avarice of many African federation presidents because he knows there are 54 votes in the upcoming elections. He is taking advantage of that. He is not seeking to achieve the required development and progress for the continent.”
The former Ghana coach also questioned the position of Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, asking why the former Arsenal manager had not publicly addressed decisions made by the FIFA president.
“I would like to know the opinion of Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s chief technical officer, on all these actions taken by Gianni Infantino in response to an invitation from Donald Trump,” he said.
Le Roy broadened his criticism to the overall leadership of world football, saying he was deeply troubled by the direction the sport has taken under the current administration.
“I am appalled by the image that professional football reflects today. I am horrified that this man is still at the head of FIFA. I don’t understand how we can accept that he is almost the only candidate in the upcoming elections.”
While acknowledging one of Infantino’s strengths, Le Roy argued that it had not translated into positive leadership for the global game.
“He has one advantage, which is his mastery of many languages, but he is a foolish linguist who poses a danger to football and has not offered anything positive at all, but has made this sport a disgrace in everyone’s eyes.”
The veteran coach concluded by expressing concern about how football is increasingly viewed by supporters and the wider public, saying repeated controversies have damaged confidence in the sport’s integrity.
“When you hear people talking about football today, in the street or among friends, they say it’s all shady deals. You can sell the card however you want, it’s enough to make a call. I am horrified by the image that football is projecting to the world at this time.”
