Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been selected as the centrepiece effigy for Edenbridge Bonfire Society's annual celebration, which takes place on Saturday, November 7. According to BBC News, the society chose Infantino following what it described as a "string of decisions that have left their mark on the world of football in the wake of the World Cup".
The 36-foot (11-metre) effigy depicts Infantino with distinctive satirical elements, including cash emerging from his ears, a "red card hotline" token, a book titled "Presidents for Dummies", and a golden statue of Donald Trump's head, reflecting the Fifa president's controversial relationship with the US leader.
Infantino, who has served as Fifa president since February 2016, has faced mounting criticism over several high-profile decisions. Most notably, he suspended the red card given to United States player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup at Trump's request. Additionally, Infantino proposed selling stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors but abandoned the plan following widespread opposition from football governing bodies.
The society noted that previous celebrity targets have included former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, who also features in this year's effigy after Infantino awarded him the new Fifa Peace Prize. Public nominations for this year's effigy included Elon Musk, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner.
Laura Lawrence, of the Edenbridge Bonfire Society, acknowledged that while the organisation had sought to pivot away from politicians, the selection of Infantino "isn't quite entirely moved away from politics". She stated that Infantino "thoroughly deserves to take centre stage" on Saturday due to the controversies surrounding his tenure.
How was the effigy created?
Andrea Deans, the artist and co-chair of the Edenbridge Bonfire Society, has been creating the effigies since 2016. Although effigies typically require about a week to prepare, Infantino's was completed in six days. Deans incorporated local elements into the design, including a bin and traffic lights, to reflect ongoing issues residents have experienced with waste collection and monthly traffic disruptions in Edenbridge.
Regarding the inclusion of Trump, Deans explained: "We did him 10 years ago, so it's a bit of an anniversary for us... we couldn't leave him out."
What is the history of Edenbridge Bonfire Night?
The Edenbridge Bonfire Society has been celebrating Bonfire Night for nearly 100 years, having organised a parade in the Kent town since 1928. The tradition of creating celebrity effigies began in 1994, and the event is held at Edenbridge Recreation Ground.
Previous years have seen notable figures chosen for the effigy treatment. Sir Keir Starmer was selected in 2025, while in 2024 the effigy combined Ticketmaster and the Gallagher brothers. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was chosen in 2023, and former Prime Minister Liz Truss was the subject in 2022.
What will happen at the event?
All roads into Edenbridge will close at 18:00 GMT on Saturday in preparation for the celebration. The event begins at 18:30 with a torch-lit procession featuring more than 1,000 flaming torches illuminating approximately 20 floats, walking parties, visiting Bonfire Societies, and marching bands. Fireworks are expected around 20:30. The 36-foot effigy of Infantino will take centre stage alongside a giant Guy Fawkes figure.
Fifa has been contacted for comment on the selection.
