UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has intensified the pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, labeling him as the 'wrong man' to lead the organization. This criticism comes after a key advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest over Infantino's contentious plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. Burnham's disapproval was voiced after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing the proposal, with the AFC calling for an urgent review of FIFA's governance.
The situation has been further complicated by the resignation of Cordeiro, who described the plan as a 'bad deal for football' and its long-term future. In a statement to Sky News, Cordeiro emphasized his opposition to the proposal, stating he had no involvement in it and could not support it.
Another FIFA official, Kevin Lamour, expressed that staff were 'deceived' by Infantino's lack of transparency regarding his plans, suggesting that it was time for football leaders to take action. The developments have led to increased scrutiny of Infantino's leadership, with his plans being met with widespread criticism from various football governing bodies and officials.
The United States President, Donald Trump, has also been drawn into the controversy, denying any discussion with Infantino about the plan. The investor group behind the proposal, led by Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, has declined to comment.
FIFA has responded by insisting that 'nobody is selling football' and that the proposal is aimed at ensuring member associations have meaningful ownership of commercial opportunities. However, opponents fear that the plan could lead to more frequent and larger tournaments, negatively impacting domestic schedules. The opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and now the AFC marks a significant shift in the landscape, with UEFA stating its opposition is 'unanimous and unequivocal,' and threatening not to participate in FIFA competitions unless the proposal is withdrawn.
The AFC's intervention, in particular, is notable as it had previously supported Infantino, but now calls for a review of FIFA's governance and decision-making framework. The situation is seen as a 'catastrophic error of judgment' for Infantino, with many believing he cannot survive the backlash.
The possibility of a vote of no confidence or a challenge in the next presidential election has been raised, indicating a potentially significant change in FIFA's leadership.