Edenbridge effigy of Gianni Infantino unveiled for bonfire night

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been unveiled as this year’s effigy for Edenbridge Bonfire Society’s annual celebration.

The society said Infantino had been chosen for its celebration in the Kent town on Saturday after making a “string of decisions that have left their mark on the world of football in the wake of the World Cup”.

Previous celebrity targets have included former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and US President Donald Trump, who is also included in the effigy after Infantino gave him the new Fifa Peace Prize this year.

Elon Musk, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner were among the other nominations from the public, the society said.

The not-for-profit organisation has been celebrating Bonfire Night for nearly 100 years, having run a parade in Edenbridge since 1928.

Laura Lawrence, of the Edenbridge Bonfire Society, said there was a desire to pivot away from politicians but the choice of Infantino “isn’t quite entirely moved away from politics”.

Lawrence said Infantino “thoroughly deserves to take centre stage” on Saturday due to controversies which include suspending the red card given to United States’ player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, at the request of Trump.

The Fifa president also planned to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors but scrapped the proposal due to opposition.