Hans-Joachim Watzke, a vice-president of the German Football Association (DFB), has called for Gianni Infantino to leave the FIFA presidency, citing concerns over several decisions taken during his leadership.

Watzke made the remarks at an artificial intelligence festival in Berlin on Thursday. The DFB was among the few football associations that did not sign a letter backing Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president.

Watzke criticised Infantino’s decision to introduce the FIFA Peace Prize, which was awarded to United States President Donald Trump in December 2025 during the draw for the 2026 World Cup. He questioned the process through which the award was created and presented.

He also raised concerns over the handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card during the 2026 World Cup, claiming that the suspension was overturned following a phone call between Trump and Infantino. Watzke argued that political intervention should not influence disciplinary decisions in football.

The German football official further criticised a proposed commercial company unveiled by FIFA on July 28 and abandoned four days later following opposition from several stakeholders. According to Watzke, FIFA vice-presidents and members of the FIFA Council were not adequately informed about the proposal.

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf also said earlier in the week that the relationship of trust between the German association and Infantino’s FIFA administration had been severely damaged.

He called for a change in FIFA leadership.Infantino remains the only declared candidate for the FIFA presidency ahead of the election scheduled for March 18, 2027. The deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18, 2026.