Leverkusen CEO Carro: 'We're fighting against Infantino'

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has spoken out against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and called for changes in the leadership of the football governing body.

“We’re fighting against Infantino, and we have to win this fight,” he told the Sport Bild weekly on Wednesday.

FIFA needs change, reliable leadership and a genuine presidential election next year in March.

“I can’t see continuation of Infantino’s tenure, that would be the worst possible outcome,” Carro said.

Carro, however, left open the question of who should replace the current FIFA president. The search for a candidate will “definitely be a challenge,” he said.

The ideal candidate is someone “who can also win over people outside Europe and secure majorities. My guess is that, in the end, it will be a non-European candidate, but one who is supported by Europe.”

Infantino has been under fire since he unveiled plans worth billions to sell World Cup rights to private investors after this year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Following major protests, including UEFA’s threat of a World Cup boycott, he withdrew the proposal.

UEFA withdrew its threat, but is still discussing other protests against Infantino and possible legal action.

There are no signs that Infantino, who has been at the helm of FIFA since 2016, is considering stepping down. So far, he’s the only declared candidate for next year’s election.