FIFA president Infantino's problems mount as key FIFA allies turn on him
Summary
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced growing criticism both inside FIFA and from outside groups after proposing, then dropping, a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup. Key FIFA insiders including Arsene Wenger and Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom criticized the plan and Infantino’s leadership, while UEFA threatened legal action over the rejected proposal.Key Facts
- Infantino proposed a plan to open the World Cup to private investment through a new commercial branch called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
- The plan was expected to raise up to $4.2 billion from a valuation of $20 billion.
- FIFA withdrew the plan after harsh criticism and threats from UEFA, who warned they might boycott FIFA competitions.
- Arsene Wenger, formerly appointed by Infantino as FIFA’s head of global football development, said withdrawing the plan was necessary.
- Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed regret over the whole episode and distanced himself from Infantino’s plan.
- UEFA sent a formal legal notice threatening lawsuits and regulatory complaints about the FFE plan.
- The controversy has damaged Infantino’s reputation and put his planned unopposed re-election for a fourth term at risk.
- FIFA’s leadership style and decision-making process have faced increased scrutiny because of this incident.
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