Gary Lineker turned down FIFA job after meeting with Putin was requested

Gary Lineker, one of England's most celebrated strikers and a former Barcelona player, has said he turned down a FIFA job offer after being invited to meet Vladimir Putin at the 2018 World Cup draw in Russia. The revelation came on 'The Rest Is Football' radio show, where the now television presenter defended his decision to keep away from world football's governing body.

• Lineker declined a FIFA work offer because he did not want to meet Vladimir Putin during the 2018 World Cup draw.
• The former player says he has had no relationship with FIFA since the start of this decade as a deliberate strategy.
• He finds it absurd that one person can serve as FIFA president for several consecutive terms.
• He believes Gianni Infantino would face booing and offensive chants if he attended a match in the United Kingdom.
• UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation oppose Infantino continuing as FIFA president.

The FIFA offer Lineker walked away from in Russia

The moment that defined his distance from FIFA took place during the 2018 World Cup draw. Lineker explained that the possibility of joining the organisation was raised at the event and, as part of the visit, he was invited to meet the Russian president. The former striker's answer was immediate: he was not interested.

I thought, 'I don't want to do that.' So I just told them, 'I'm sorry, I have a lot of work to do on the script. I'm trying to prepare everything.'

For Lineker, that excuse linked to his broadcasting duties was the most elegant way to decline without creating a direct confrontation. After hanging up his boots, the Englishman became one of the most recognisable faces in British football television, a role he has maintained successfully for years.

A deliberate distance from football's governing institutions

Lineker's separation from FIFA was not a one-off reaction but a carefully considered stance. He explained that he made the decision to cut all ties with the organisation a few years ago and has stuck to it rigorously since. He believes that accepting roles or collaborations from inside could limit his freedom to speak openly.

A few years ago I decided to have no relationship with FIFA. I think it's better not to be influenced from within. That's why I've deliberately kept my distance, I'd say from the start of this decade.

That strategy has allowed him to stay critical without constraints. Lineker, used to speaking out on major sporting issues, has preferred to protect his independence rather than become part of world football's institutional machinery.

Criticism of FIFA's presidential model and Infantino's role

Lineker's words come as Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA president, has announced his intention to seek a fourth term in the elections scheduled for March 2027. For the former England international, the idea of holding so many consecutive periods at the helm of the organisation makes no sense.

It's absurd that one person can be president of FIFA for several consecutive terms.

His criticism goes beyond the re-election model. Lineker also spoke about the reception the official would receive if he turned up at a match in the United Kingdom today. In his view, fans would hardly give him a warm welcome.

Growing opposition to another Infantino term

The current FIFA president has critics in different corners of international football. One of the biggest sources of rejection is the project to privatise the organisation's competitions, including the World Cup itself. That initiative has raised concerns among major confederations that do not support his continuity.

UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have shown their opposition to Infantino extending his time in charge. Discontent with his management has been growing, and critical voices like Lineker's are bringing a debate to the table that will only intensify as the 2027 elections approach.

How British fans would welcome the FIFA president

Lineker knows British stadiums well and has no doubts about how the stands would react if Infantino appeared at one of them. The former player imagines a hostile atmosphere, with widespread booing and rowdy songs coming from the terraces.

At least there would be a wave of booing and some chants that might end with a very rude word.

That warning reflects the frustration the Englishman believes exists among fans towards the direction of world football. Infantino remains a deeply divisive figure, and the prospect of another four years in charge only fuels the discontent in several sectors of the sport.

FIFA faces an uncertain electoral future

The road to the March 2027 elections looks complicated for FIFA. While Infantino seeks to stay in office for a fourth time, the confederations that reject his candidacy are increasing pressure on the organisation. The privatisation of tournaments such as the World Cup has created a fracture that is hard to ignore.

The stance of figures like Lineker adds weight to the critical movement questioning both consecutive terms and the commercial direction of international football. The debate over governance is set to remain open in the coming months.