McAllister calls for Gianni Infantino's exit, recalling Portugal and Spain

During the Portugal Football Summit, held between 23 and 25 September 2026 in the City of Football, Laura McAllister demanded the removal of Gianni Infantino and emphasized that Portugal and Spain must be at the centre of the strategy for the 2026 World Cup, organised on European soil.

Criticism of Infantino and risk for Europe

McAllister leveled harsh criticism at Gianni Infantino, calling for his resignation from the FIFA presidency. She questioned whether it is safe to keep Infantino at the helm of FIFA while the organisation of the World Cup takes place on European soil, although she admitted she does not know how to answer that question.

The official said she has excellent relations with the presidents of the Portuguese Football Federation and the Spanish Football Federation, stressing that both countries are fantastic in football and will undoubtedly contribute to a wonderful World Cup.

She also noted that Portugal has great access, infrastructure and stadiums, factors that reinforce its ability to host the tournament successfully.

In her own words, McAllister declared: "Anyone who does not place Portugal and Spain at the centre of their strategies for the next World Cup does a disservice to football".

The Bola na Rede programme was present at the Portugal Football Summit, which took place in the City of Football between 23 and 25 September 2026.

All content related to the summit was first published on Bola na Rede, where readers can read all the information about the event.