Former FIFA Council member Isha Johansen has publicly called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, marking a notable shift in the support typically shown for him by African football leaders. Johansen, who previously served as the president of the Sierra Leone Football Association, expressed concerns that Infantino's actions regarding the FIFA Forward Enterprise have crossed ethical boundaries, resulting in a significant loss of trust in his leadership.

Break from Consensus

Johansen's remarks stand out as a rare dissenting voice among African football officials, who have largely rallied behind Infantino amid ongoing controversies. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee has unanimously supported Infantino's re-election in 2027, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe defending him based on loyalty. Until Johansen's statement, there had been minimal public opposition from senior figures in African football, who continued to express their backing for Infantino.

Calls for Accountability

Joining Johansen in her call for change is Musa Bility, the former president of the Liberia Football Association and a former CAF executive committee member. Bility has urged CAF to reconsider its endorsement of Infantino, emphasizing that "Africa must not become the firewall protecting one man from accountability."

Johansen, who led the Sierra Leone Football Association from 2013 to 2021 and was elected to the FIFA Council in March 2021, revealed that Infantino had advised her to step down during a visit to Sierra Leone. She recounted her struggles as president amidst corruption issues and her efforts to promote ethical governance. Infantino's visit, alongside Motsepe, prompted him to suggest that she resign for the betterment of football, a decision she ultimately made in 2021. Johansen has documented her experiences and the ethical challenges in football in her book, "The Uncommon Enemy."

As the debate surrounding Infantino's leadership continues, Johansen's bold stance may influence the ongoing discussions about accountability and governance within FIFA and African football.