A petition calling for football to be saved from FIFA has been signed by more than 100,000 people as the controversies blighting the World Cup mount.
Ever since Qatar was awarded the World Cup back in 2010, FIFA has come under heavy scrutiny for the way in which the Middle Eastern country won the bidding, for Qatar's treatment of migrant workers and for the persecution of the LGBT+ community.
While FIFA insisted that it would be a 'World Cup for everyone' and begged people to focus on the football, off-the-field matters have continued to take the headlines. Fans have had rainbow clothing confiscated, FIFA have banned the One Love armband and the sale of alcohol in stadiums was banned just two days before the tournament kicked off.
In response to the criticism that FIFA is facing and their refusal to acknowledge many of the problems, Chris Paouros, vice-chair of Kick It Out, launched a petition calling for FIFA to undergo an overhaul or be abolished.
That petition has now been signed by 100,958 people at the time of writing, adding further pressure on FIFA to change its ways. Paouros labelled FIFA a "failing institution" as she took aim at their fitness to govern football.
"FIFA is an out of touch, failing institution, unfit to govern world football. It's time to reclaim the game FIFA, in its own regulations, commits itself to resisting discrimination in all its forms," the description of the petition reads.
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"But we have seen time and time again that FIFA fails to deliver on this commitment. For decades, FIFA has been plagued by scandals - there have been allegations of corruption, racketeering, bribery, violations of ethics, ticket scams, and the mismanagement of sexual abuse cases.
"My name is Chris Paouros (she/her). I'm Vice-Chair of Kick It Out, a charity tackling discrimination in football and seeking to make it a game where everyone belongs. I'm also a lifelong Spurs supporter and on the Board of the Football Supporters' Association. I'm asking you to join me in saying enough is enough.
"Before and during the World Cup in Qatar, there have been clear examples of how FIFA is not fit for purpose. Building the stadiums for this tournament has cost lives and caused injuries for thousands of severely underpaid workers, devastating their families.
"Women's rights are limited and the LGBTQ+ community is criminalised–two issues very personal to me. There is evidence to suggest that these laws continue to result in human rights abuses, which is heartbreaking."
Paouros also slammed president Gianni Infantino, who delivered an infamous speech on the eve of the tournament. Infantino will be elected unopposed for a third term in charge of FIFA, with Paouros calling for a major overhaul to take place.
"As football fans, we can't choose host nations, but we can call for radical change in the governing body that made this tournament a reality – FIFA. Gianni Infantino will be re-elected as President of FIFA as he is running unopposed," she continued.
"This undemocratic and morally bankrupt organisation is not fit to run our game. Major member FAs and federations must lead the calls for a comprehensive overhaul.
"If FIFA fails to engage meaningfully with this process, the FAs must break away; tell sponsors to pull out; and ask investors to review their investments in those sponsors.
"As football fans, we know the power we have when we come together to demand transformation. Join us now to say FIFA must accept the urgent need for overhaul - or be abolished."
