Ruud Gullit demands FIFA chief Infantino’s resignation amid World Cup entry controversies
Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit has publicly called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to consider resigning, citing concerns over immigration-related issues that have overshadowed preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
In an open letter released on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, just one day before the tournament begins, the former Netherlands star expressed frustration over a growing number of travel and entry complications affecting players, officials, and supporters heading to the competition.
Emerging incidents
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Several incidents have emerged in recent days. Iran’s national team was compelled to relocate its training base to Mexico, while a number of team officials reportedly struggled to secure travel documents. Somali match official Omar Artan was allegedly denied entry into the United States, Iraqi forward Aymen Hussein faced a seven-hour detention at Chicago airport, and photographer Talah Salah was refused access to the country.
Other delegations have also encountered difficulties. Members of the Senegal and Uzbekistan national teams reportedly underwent lengthy inspections upon arrival, while uncertainty continues regarding whether fans and media representatives from nations impacted by U.S. travel restrictions will be permitted to attend World Cup matches.
Gullit, who represented the Netherlands 66 times and remains one of the sport’s most celebrated figures, explained his position in the letter.
“I have stayed quiet for a long time because I wanted to judge this World Cup on football matters. But the deeper we get into the preparations, the more it becomes clear that football is no longer the main story. For that reason, I believe Gianni Infantino should seriously consider stepping down as FIFA President.”
He argued that the tournament was drifting away from its traditional purpose of bringing people together.
“A World Cup should unite people. Instead, this tournament is becoming a symbol of division, political disputes, travel restrictions, and administrative failures.”
The former midfielder also highlighted concerns over reports involving Iranian fans and Somali referee Omar Artan.
“We are hearing reports that Iranian supporters have had their ticket allocations withdrawn. We have seen the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, selected by FIFA on merit to officiate at the highest level, yet reportedly denied entry into the host country. These are not minor issues. They strike at the heart of what the World Cup is supposed to represent.”
Football promotion
According to Gullit, FIFA cannot continue promoting football as a game for everyone if barriers unrelated to the sport prevent qualified participants and supporters from taking part.
He stated that FIFA could not speak about football as a universal game “while qualified supporters, officials, and participants face barriers that appear unrelated to football itself.”
Gullit further stressed that protecting the competition’s fairness and accessibility should remain FIFA’s top priority.
“The organisation’s first responsibility is to protect the integrity and accessibility of the competition.”
Turning his attention directly to Infantino’s leadership, Gullit questioned whether the FIFA president remains the right person to guide world football through the current challenges.
“Leadership is not about appearing in photographs with politicians or celebrating commercial success. Leadership is about taking responsibility when things go wrong. That is why I believe Mr Infantino must ask himself whether he is still the right person to lead world football.”
Seeking answers
He went on to suggest that a change at the top of FIFA may be necessary if adequate answers and accountability are not forthcoming.
“The football world deserves answers, accountability, and leadership. If those cannot be provided under the current administration, then perhaps the time has come for new leadership at FIFA.”
Gullit concluded his letter by emphasizing that the World Cup should belong to those directly involved in the game rather than political institutions or football administrators.
“belongs to the world, not to governments, political interests, or football administrators. It belongs to the players, the referees, and the supporters.”
