World Cup 2026: FIFA President Infantino named in criminal complaint days to kick-off

By Tolulope Oke

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has been named in a criminal complaint filed by former UEFA President and World Cup legend, Michel Platini, just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

The development has thrown fresh controversy around world football’s governing body at a sensitive moment, with the tournament set to begin this week.

According to The Sun, Platini, 70, filed criminal and civil proceedings in French courts over the corruption scandal that derailed his ambition to become FIFA President in 2016.

The former UEFA chief was once considered the favourite to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA boss before he was caught up in an ethics probe over a payment he received from Blatter in 2011.

The complaint, confirmed by Platini’s lawyer, Olivier Baretelli, alleged that Infantino and others worked to exclude Platini from the FIFA presidential race.

It also claimed that Infantino was “first and foremost” among those who allegedly attempted to block Platini’s candidacy.

Platini was banned from football by FIFA’s Ethics Committee in 2015. The ban was initially for eight years but was later reduced to four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Platini and Blatter also faced criminal proceedings over the disputed payment but were acquitted by a Swiss federal criminal court in 2022 and again by an appeals court in 2025.

Both men have consistently argued that the payment was a delayed transfer for Platini’s advisory work under Blatter.

Infantino, who previously served as UEFA General Secretary under Platini, went on to win the FIFA presidency in 2016 after Platini’s ban cleared the path.

Platini is now reportedly seeking financial damages from FIFA over his inability to contest the election.

Two other former FIFA officials, Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala, were also mentioned in the complaint.

The complaint comes only days before the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa, increasing pressure on FIFA as global attention turns to the tournament.

Infantino is expected to face the media before the opening match, amid renewed questions over FIFA’s leadership and the scandal that reshaped world football politics.