More key FIFA staff break ranks as Infantino’s World Cup plan faces mutiny
Summary
FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned his plan to sell a stake in the World Cup after strong opposition from football officials. Key FIFA executives have publicly distanced themselves from the project, and some football groups are challenging Infantino’s leadership ahead of upcoming elections.Key Facts
- Infantino proposed raising $4.2 billion by selling part of the World Cup’s commercial rights.
- After backlash, Infantino withdrew the plan and apologized for causing division.
- FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom called the situation a “sad and reproachable series of events” and urged staff to stay professional.
- Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Global Football Development chief, said he was not involved in the proposal and supported its withdrawal.
- Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, calling the plan “a bad deal for football.”
- FIFA’s COO Kevin Lamour said staff felt “deceived” by Infantino and called the plan a “project of one person.”
- Some football confederations and European national associations have withdrawn support for Infantino’s re-election.
- Infantino has the backing of Moroccan, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Lebanese, and Sri Lankan federations but faces growing opposition within FIFA.
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