De Laurentiis reportedly argued that football in Europe faces a deeper crisis than the sport in the United States. His target was the power structure around and UEFA, which he believes is too focused on political survival and influence.
“Para que servem a Liga Europa e a Conference League? Para recolher votos daqueles que precisam ser reeleitos nessas organizações”, De Laurentiis said.
The criticism reflects a familiar club-versus-governance tension. Presidents are increasingly challenging packed calendars, expanding competitions and decisions made far from supporters, even as governing bodies insist that additional tournaments strengthen the game.
The Napoli owner also renewed his opposition to violent ultra groups, arguing that stadiums must be designed around families and children rather than intimidation.
“Sou contra os ultras. O futebol precisa ser paixão e educação para as crianças. Não se pode ter hooligans ou ultras moldados pela máfia, pela ‘ndrangheta e pela Camorra”, De Laurentiis said.
He added: “Enquanto chefes de polícia e ministros não controlarem a situação, será um grande problema.”
That stance is certain to divide opinion. Traditional supporter groups often argue that organized fans are central to football culture, while clubs and authorities face mounting pressure to eliminate violence, intimidation and criminal influence from matchdays.
De Laurentiis’s praise for Infantino gave his intervention a more nuanced edge. Rather than rejecting every decision from football’s governing class, he acknowledged that effective organization can change perceptions-even when political disagreements remain.
The next test will be whether his words develop into a broader push for safer stadiums, stronger club influence and greater scrutiny of and UEFA. His next public intervention may reveal whether this was simply another outspoken speech or the beginning of a more sustained challenge to European football’s leadership.