BVB boss Watzke hits out at Infantino: “He should go” | OneFootball

Following criticism from DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, Hans-Joachim Watzke is now also increasing the pressure on Gianni Infantino. The BVB boss is unequivocally calling for his resignation as FIFA president.

Hans-Joachim Watzke has significantly intensified his criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The president of Borussia Dortmund and DFB vice president is now openly calling for a change at the top of world football’s governing body. At the “Big Bang AI Festival” in Berlin, the 67-year-old used unmistakably clear words in comments to RTL/ntv: “He should go. No ifs or buts.”

Watzke justified his demand mainly with three incidents that have sparked debate in recent months. One of them was the awarding of a FIFA peace prize to US President Donald Trump. The fact that Infantino created and awarded such a prize himself is something Watzke cannot understand. “You can’t just make something up yourself and then announce it — that’s madness,” the BVB boss explained.

The way FIFA handled the suspension of US international Folarin Balogun also drew criticism. His sanction had been lifted during the World Cup. Watzke particularly criticized the influence political interventions could have on sporting decisions.

BVB boss Watzke criticizes Infantino

Further controversy was caused by Infantino’s now-abandoned plans to sell part of the commercial rights to FIFA competitions to a private investor. The figures being discussed were around 20 billion US dollars for a 20 percent stake. According to Watzke, key decision-makers within the world governing body had not been informed about the plan.

Photo: IMAGO

Watzke also fundamentally questioned the point of such a deal. “A World Cup sells like hot cakes. Why would you want investors there?” Watzke asked. FIFA already has considerable financial resources and is therefore not dependent on external backers.

This further increases the pressure on Infantino. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf had already recently distanced himself clearly from the Swiss official. Resistance is also coming from other European associations. Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and so far is sticking to his future plans. At the FIFA Congress in Rabat in March 2027, he intends to stand for election again and seek another term through 2031.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.