Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, has become one of the most prominent football administrators to explicitly call for Gianni Infantino to leave his post as Fifa president — and he did so in unusually direct terms.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Mooney said: "If I was sitting with Gianni right now, I would say to him he's had a very good career. But unfortunately with this episode that took place, with the proposal to sell off the crown jewels if you will, I definitely think he should look to step down."

What triggered the call?

Infantino had been pushing a plan to create a new commercial entity that would manage the ticketing and commercial rights to all Fifa competitions — including the World Cup — with 21 per cent of that vehicle to be sold to a private investment company. The plan has since been scrapped, but Mooney's position is that the damage is already done. "The harm that's been done to football" is the phrase he used to justify why simply withdrawing the proposal is not sufficient.

Wales was notably the first home nation to withdraw its backing for Infantino's continued presidency, acting before Scotland followed suit. According to the source, Wales was also among the first nations globally to voice public opposition — a significant step given that smaller associations often avoid directly challenging Fifa's sitting president.

A familiar figure with a pointed message

What gives Mooney's criticism additional weight is his personal history with Infantino. The FAW chief previously worked alongside the Fifa president during Infantino's time as general secretary of Uefa, a period Mooney acknowledged produced genuine achievements. He also credited work carried out under Infantino's Fifa tenure — specifically citing Arsène Wenger's technical development scheme as a positive — before concluding that the presidency has still run its course.

That framing matters. This is not a broadside from someone with no prior relationship with Infantino; it is a measured verdict from someone who says he has seen the man operate at close quarters.

Structural concerns beyond one individual

Mooney's critique extends beyond Infantino personally. He argued that "too much power sits with one person" within Fifa's current structure, and that the president's role demands someone operating as a "moral guardian" of the game — with transparency and collaboration as baseline requirements. On that standard, he believes trust has been broken.

"Trust is broken with many football associations around the world," Mooney said, adding that any meaningful repair would require a full governance review — one that cannot, in his view, be led by the sitting Fifa president.

He indicated that conversations are already happening at a senior level. "I am hoping Gianni is reflecting right now on his position. I assume people are speaking to him right now about considering his position and stepping down."

What comes next?

Mooney stopped short of predicting a timeline, acknowledging that "there will be lots of discussions over the next few weeks." Pressure is clearly building from multiple directions — confederation presidents have reportedly told Infantino he broke trust "through deception," and the Scottish FA has now also withdrawn its support. Whether that accumulation of opposition translates into a formal challenge to his position remains to be seen.

For Wales, at least, the message from the top of the national association is unambiguous: a change of leadership at Fifa is not just preferable, it is necessary.

Frequently asked

Why is Gianni Infantino under pressure to resign?
Infantino faced widespread criticism for proposing to sell a 21 per cent stake in a new company that would control the commercial and ticketing rights to all Fifa competitions, including the World Cup. The plan was scrapped, but many football associations say the damage to trust has already been done.
What has the Football Association of Wales done about Infantino?
The FAW was the first home nation to withdraw its backing for Infantino's continued presidency. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney has since gone further, publicly stating that Infantino should step down from his role.
Has the Scottish FA also withdrawn support for Infantino?
Yes. According to reports cited alongside the FAW's statement, the Scottish FA has also withdrawn its support for Infantino, following Wales's lead among the UK's home nations.