Computer hacker Rui Pinto, creator of Football Leaks, has publicly stated that Gianni Infantino, the current Fifa president, has "no place in the future of football". Pinto's allegations date back to 2014 when Infantino, then Uefa general secretary, allegedly intervened to help Manchester City and Paris St-Germain avoid financial fair play sanctions from European football's governing body Uefa.
According to documents released by Football Leaks in 2018, Manchester City and Paris St-Germain overvalued sponsorship deals to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. When facing sanctions, the allegations claim Infantino helped arrange more lenient punishments for the clubs. Both Manchester City and Paris St-Germain have denied any wrongdoing, with Paris St-Germain stating they "have always acted in full compliance with the laws and regulations enacted by sports institutions".
Pinto's allegations against Infantino resurfaced after Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period. Although City continues to deny any wrongdoing, they have until 2 October to submit an appeal. The Premier League investigation was launched following information released by Football Leaks and a separate investigation by Uefa.
When the allegations first surfaced, Uefa stated that it was within the remit of the general secretary to assist in such matters, including discussions and meetings to help find solutions. Infantino also pointed to his role, stating that his "job entails having discussions, having conversations, exchanging documents, drafts, ideas, whatever, on many, many, many, many, topics".
Infantino has come under increasing pressure following his now-shelved plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. European football's governing body Uefa accused Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" over the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) is the latest association to withdraw its support for the Fifa president, citing concerns over leadership, governance, transparency, and decision-making processes within Fifa.
The Swiss Football Association's decision to withdraw its support follows a comprehensive reassessment of developments over the past few months. Fifa and Uefa are both based in Switzerland. Infantino will stand for election for a fourth time in March 2027, with his opponents having until 18 November to find an alternative candidate.
Pinto's statement has added to the mounting pressure on Infantino, who has been Fifa president since 2016. Pinto stated that Infantino "abused his authority, shared confidential documents and, in short, outmanoeuvred the investigatory chamber, doing everything in his power to ensure that both Manchester City and PSG would merely receive a fine, avoiding a deeper investigation that could have led to a Champions League ban".
Key points
- Computer hacker Rui Pinto claims Gianni Infantino "should have no place in the future of football" due to his alleged involvement in helping Manchester City and Paris St-Germain avoid financial fair play sanctions.
- Gianni Infantino has come under increasing pressure following his now-shelved plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and allegations of "criminal mismanagement" over the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.
- The Swiss Football Association has withdrawn its support for Infantino, citing concerns over leadership, governance, transparency, and decision-making processes within Fifa.
