Alexander Wehrle, chairman of the German Football Association’s supervisory board, has called for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA president, saying the governing body needs a fundamental change in leadership.
Speaking on a podcast, Wehrle said Infantino should “resign outright”. He stressed that this was only his “personal wish”, but added: “I know Infantino wouldn’t care at all.”
Wehrle’s criticism comes after Infantino’s previous proposal to sell shares in FIFA competitions to private investors was abandoned. The German official believes the plan has “completely split” the football world, and said FIFA’s next presidential election must be conducted differently.
At the FIFA Congress in March 2027, Wehrle said “democratic elections” should replace “acclamatory elections”. He also called for “responsible candidates” to come forward with “reasonable election programs that serve the interests of global football”.
The Stuttgart CEO said such candidates should focus on restoring FIFA’s attention to its core responsibilities. Before that can happen, he believes the continental football federations must hold discussions about their individual priorities, needs and objectives.
“Solutions must be provided,” Wehrle said.
He argued that candidates for the FIFA presidency should not seek office by “buying national support with money”. Instead, he said they should present “sustainable plans and development for the benefit of global football”.
Wehrle also questioned whether Infantino could remain in charge of FIFA for much longer. Speaking on German radio, he described the situation as a “systemic problem”.
“As long as Infantino is president, things will not change. Therefore, we first need a fundamental discussion, and then we also need a different style of leadership,” he said.
Although Infantino has put the investor proposal on hold, Wehrle believes the idea could still be brought back in the future. For that reason, he said the FIFA president must first explain his position and provide answers.
Wehrle’s remarks place him among the latest football officials to question the direction of FIFA under Infantino. His comments focus on both the proposed commercial structure for FIFA competitions and the way future presidential elections should be run.
The FIFA Congress in March 2027 is expected to be the key occasion for those issues to be debated. Wehrle wants the process to involve genuine competition between candidates and programmes, rather than a leadership vote based on declarations of support.
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