Speaking at the MINICH festival, Watzke said Infantino “has to go, no ifs or buts,” and listed three specific grievances that, in his view, undermine the credibility of the FIFA leader.
The first grievance concerns the FIFA Peace Prize, an award launched by Infantino and presented in December 2025 to U.S. President Donald Trump during the draw for the 2026 World Cup – a move Watzke described as “madness” because the prize was invented and awarded unilaterally by the Swiss president.
Watzke also condemned the handling of American forward Folarin Balogun’s red card at the 2026 World Cup. Balogun was sent off in the round of 32, but his automatic one‑match suspension was lifted after a phone call from President Trump to Infantino, an intervention Watzke called “madness”.
The third issue relates to a commercial‑company project unveiled on July 28 and abandoned four days later. The venture, which would have opened FIFA to private investors, was launched without the knowledge of FIFA vice‑presidents or the Council, according to Watzke, highlighting a lack of transparency.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf echoed Watzke’s criticism in a recent RTL/ntv interview, saying the “relationship of trust” with Infantino has been “completely shattered” and that the “Infantino system” must end.
Infantino remains the sole candidate for the FIFA presidency in the election scheduled for 18 March 2027, with candidacies open until 18 November. The DFB’s decision not to sign the letter of support for his re‑election underscores growing dissent among national federations ahead of the vote.