Liberal Democrats urge English and European football bodies to quit Fifa after string of controversies

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Football Association and Uefa to withdraw from Fifa, citing a series of disputes during the World Cup. Sir Ed Davey, the party leader, argued that the global football governing body was damaging the sport under Gianni Infantino.

"Fifa and Gianni Infantino are destroying the integrity of the beautiful game."

Davey's demand follows a confrontation between Uefa and Fifa over the Folarin Balogun incident. Uefa branded Fifa's decision not to uphold a ban as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable," according to BBC reporting. The row highlights deepening tensions between European football authorities and Fifa's leadership.

The party also criticised Fifa's dynamic pricing system, which drove up ticket costs for fans, and its handling of Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the United States. Irish News added that the Lib Dems specifically objected to Fifa overturning a suspension on a US player after lobbying from President Donald Trump, further eroding trust in the organisation's governance.

Irish NewsLib Dems urge FA and Uefa to quit Fifa over World Cup controversies

With the World Cup still ongoing, the Liberal Democrats' call adds political pressure on the FA and Uefa to reconsider their relationship with Fifa. No immediate response has been reported from either football body.