Norway's Klaveness Calls for FIFA President Infantino to Resign 2026

Norway's Klaveness has called for FIFA President Infantino to resign, stating that there is no trust now in his leadership. The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) made the historic decision after Infantino's failed attempt to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. This marks the first time a national federation has directly demanded the FIFA president step down.

Why Norway Lost Trust in Infantino

The NFF board met on Thursday night and concluded that recent controversies, including the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, have destroyed all credibility. NFF President Lise Klaveness told the Guardian, "We have been worried consistently and there has been one more step in worrying direction every year." The trust is now gone, and Norway will formally request Infantino's resignation in writing next week.

Norway has historically been a leader in scrutinizing FIFA's governance. They did not vote for Infantino in 2023 but hoped he would implement reforms. Instead, the situation has worsened, leading to this unprecedented call. Klaveness emphasized, "We're left in a very polarised cooperation globally and, I would say, chaos."

Global Reactions and Implications

Several European federations have withdrawn their endorsement for Infantino's re-election in March. Norway is now the first to demand immediate resignation. This could trigger a domino effect among other nations. The NFF will also file a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee on three fronts: the FFE scandal, the award of FIFA's "peace prize" to Donald Trump, and other governance failures.

Key Takeaways from the Crisis

• Norway is the first federation to call for Infantino's resignation.
• The FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme is at the center of the trust crisis.
• Norway will file a three-part ethics complaint against FIFA.
• Several European federations have already withdrawn support for Infantino.
• Global football governance faces unprecedented instability.

Comparison: Norway's Stance vs. Other Federations

This table highlights the growing isolation of Infantino within European football. Norway's bold move may pressure others to follow suit, potentially reshaping FIFA's leadership landscape.

What's Next for FIFA and Football Governance?

The NFF will send a formal letter to Infantino requesting his resignation. They will also pursue the ethics complaint, which could lead to sanctions or further investigations. The global football community is watching closely, as this crisis could lead to significant reforms or a leadership vacuum.

Klaveness stressed that Norway's goal is to enable the football community to "look ahead and cooperate going into the future." Whether Infantino resigns or fights to stay, the damage to his credibility appears irreversible. This is a pivotal moment for FIFA's governance and the sport's integrity.

FAQ

As this story develops, the football world awaits Infantino's response. Will he resign, or will he fight to hold on? One thing is certain: the trust is broken, and Norway has drawn a line in the sand.