Pinto calls Infantino 'a cancer on football' — SkimNews
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- Rui Pinto, the creator of Football Leaks, wrote on X that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had 'become a cancer on football' and 'should have no place in the future of the game,' citing his 2014 actions as UEFA general secretary.
- Pinto alleged that Infantino, as UEFA general secretary in 2014, 'abused his authority, shared confidential documents' to ensure Manchester City and PSG received only fines, avoiding a deeper investigation that 'could have led to a Champions League ban.'
- Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period and have until 2 October to submit an appeal; the investigation was launched after Football Leaks released documents in 2018 via German publication Der Spiegel.
- PSG denied the 2018 allegations, stating they 'have always acted in full compliance with the laws and regulations' and called themselves 'one of the most audited and scrutinised clubs in history.'
- UEFA defended Infantino's 2014 conduct, saying it was within the remit of the general secretary to assist with such matters, while Infantino himself said his job 'entails having discussions, having conversations, exchanging documents.'
- Infantino is facing mounting pressure over the now-shelved plans to sell stakes in the World Cup (the FFE scheme), with UEFA accusing him of 'criminal mismanagement' and the Swiss Football Association withdrawing its support.
- Infantino will stand for a fourth term in March 2027, with opponents having until 18 November to find an alternative candidate.
Why it matters: The Football Leaks architect resurfaces decade-old allegations against Infantino at a moment of maximum political vulnerability for the FIFA president: UEFA has accused him of 'criminal mismanagement' over the FFE scheme, the Swiss Football Association has withdrawn backing, and a fourth-term election looms in March 2027 with challengers needed by 18 November.
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