KUALA LUMPUR – Pressure is mounting on FIFA President Gianni Infantino as his controversial plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity faces increasing opposition. The latest development came when Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser and former U.S. Soccer Federation president, resigned from his position on the White House panel, denouncing the $20 billion commercial subsidiary plan as “a bad deal for football.”
Cordeiro’s resignation, which emphasized his lack of involvement in the contentious investment plan, adds a new layer of crisis to FIFA’s governance. He stated, “I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” shortly after FIFA issued a statement claiming, “Nobody is selling football.”
This growing dissent has been echoed by the European soccer body UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA games and events unless the proposal is scrapped. Similarly, North America’s CONCACAF has also rejected Infantino’s controversial offer, which included one-time payments of $20 million to each member federation.
Cordeiro’s ties to Infantino run deep; he has frequently accompanied the FIFA president on visits to the White House and participated in meetings regarding the World Cup task force. His unequivocal opposition to the proposal raises questions about the leadership within FIFA and the decision-making processes that led to this controversial initiative.
Asia’s Stance Enhances the Opposition
In a significant turn of events, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also joined the chorus of disapproval. Traditionally an ally of Infantino, the AFC criticized the secretive nature of the investment plan and called for an urgent review of FIFA’s management style. The AFC’s statement expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF, emphasizing that “football should never have been placed in such a position.”
The AFC’s critique not only targeted the private equity plan but also highlighted broader governance issues within FIFA. The organization insisted that the proposed venture cannot achieve the necessary consensus to move forward, calling for a reevaluation of FIFA’s governance and decision-making processes.
Implications for Infantino’s Presidency
Just over a week ago, Infantino appeared poised for a smooth re-election, with support from nearly 200 member countries. However, the backlash against his administration’s handling of this situation raises questions about his future in FIFA. The deadline for potential candidates to declare for the presidential election, scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco, is approaching, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
FIFA’s response to the mounting criticism has been defensive, attributing the negative perceptions to media misrepresentation. In a recent statement, FIFA asserted, “Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports,” while reaffirming its commitment to pursue the project.
As the soccer community watches closely, the impending Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland could become a focal point for dissent, particularly with European federations contemplating a boycott. The situation is fluid, and the implications for both FIFA and Infantino’s leadership are profound as the organization navigates this unprecedented crisis.
For further updates on the evolving situation in global soccer, visit AP Soccer and stay informed on World Cup coverage.
