The Liberal Democrats have called on the English FA and UEFA to pull out of FIFA, accusing football’s world governing body of “destroying the integrity of the beautiful game” after a string of World Cup controversies.
Party calls for FIFA to be dissolved and rebuilt
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, told the BBC that FIFA no longer serves football or its supporters and should be completely dismantled and reconstituted.
He said football associations must work together “to build a clean and transparent governing body that puts fans first,” adding: “The only way forward is for the FA, alongside other European bodies, to lead a coordinated withdrawal from FIFA.”
Sir Ed also directly criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino, claiming he had “crossed red lines time and again” and “allowed corporate greed to exploit fans however they like, destroying the integrity of the beautiful game.”
“It is time for UEFA to step up, walk away from FIFA, and begin working with other continental federations to build a clean and transparent governing body that puts supporters first,” he concluded.
Flashpoint over Balogun ban sparks wider row
The Liberal Democrat intervention follows a series of contentious FIFA decisions at the current World Cup, with tensions between FIFA and European football authorities intensifying.
The most explosive flashpoint came when FIFA unexpectedly overturned the suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun for a World Cup match, after what has been described as direct intervention from US President Donald Trump.
UEFA condemned FIFA’s handling of the Balogun case as a “red line crossed”, branding the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustified” – language that underlines the growing rift between the European body and FIFA during the tournament.
Ticket pricing and water-break advertising under fire
FIFA is also facing heavy criticism over soaring World Cup ticket prices, driven by a dynamic pricing system that adjusts costs based on demand.
In addition, the introduction and timing of water breaks has provoked controversy, amid estimates that they could generate up to $250m (£189m) in extra advertising revenue.
For critics, these issues are symptomatic of what they see as FIFA’s increasing commercialisation of the sport at the expense of fans inside stadiums and those watching around the world.
Gianni Infantino has defended the organisation’s pricing strategy, insisting ticket costs are in line with other major sporting events in the United States.
Somali referee travel case adds to pressure
FIFA has also been sharply attacked over its handling of the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred from entering the United States to officiate at World Cup matches.
The incident has raised further questions about FIFA’s preparedness, its choice of host arrangements and the support it offers to match officials caught in political or immigration disputes.
Taken together, the Liberal Democrats argue, these examples show that FIFA has gone beyond what Member Associations should be expected to tolerate.
Possible FA exit would mean World Cup exile
FIFA currently has 211 national associations, with the English FA among its members. As FIFA organises the World Cup, any decision by the FA to withdraw from the global body would automatically mean England could no longer participate in the tournament.
The BBC has approached FIFA, UEFA and the English FA for comment on the Liberal Democrats’ demands and the growing political and sporting backlash against the world governing body.
