FIFA decries ‘concerted’ effort to undermine Infantino as crisis deepens

FIFA has issued a statement decrying a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine President Gianni Infantino's leadership. This comes after Infantino denied allegations that UEFA paid off an alleged former lover during his time as UEFA's general secretary. The statement follows reports by The Daily Telegraph detailing these payments, which UEFA has acknowledged were made, along with fees for an MBA course. FIFA rejected these claims as unfounded and stated it would vigorously challenge inaccurate reports. The crisis has deepened following the collapse of Infantino's proposal to raise funds by selling stakes in commercial rights, which drew criticism from UEFA, national associations, and senior FIFA officials, leading to calls for his resignation. FIFA's leadership, however, reaffirmed its support for the president during a recent meeting.

FIFA has issued a statement defending President Gianni Infantino against what it calls a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine his leadership. This defense comes after a report questioned an exit package paid by UEFA to a former staffer who worked with Infantino when he was UEFA's general secretary. UEFA confirmed the payment was made according to regulations at the time, though rules have since been tightened. FIFA accused critics of using allegations and misinformation to weaken Infantino's authority and remove him from office without due process. The statement asserts that disagreement with change cannot justify undermining Infantino's democratic mandate. Infantino had previously faced backlash over a plan to sell World Cup profits, which was rejected by UEFA and other confederations.

UEFA has declared a loss of confidence in FIFA's leadership under Gianni Infantino following the withdrawal of his plan to sell minority shares in World Cups. UEFA, a strong opponent of the proposal, had threatened to boycott FIFA if the plan wasn't scrapped. Infantino withdrew the "FIFA Future Enterprise" plan on Friday due to widespread backlash. UEFA criticized the "secret schemes" and "opaque deal," stating Infantino failed to deliver on promises of transparency and using FIFA funds for football development. The organization welcomed the plan's withdrawal but emphasized the need to rebuild trust within FIFA. The Asian Football Confederation also called for proper consultation on future initiatives.

FIFA has scrapped its controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in a new unit managing its events, including the World Cup, for up to $4.2 billion. The proposal faced widespread backlash from member associations, including European governing body UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA competitions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated the project created divisions and was no longer in the organization's best interest. The plan, announced on Tuesday, was criticized by senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro as a "bad deal for football" and by UEFA as "irresponsible and indefensible." The decision comes amid scrutiny of Infantino's leadership and FIFA's governance processes.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned his plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity firms following widespread opposition. The proposal, which aimed to create a $20 billion company involving private investors, faced significant backlash from football organizations worldwide. UEFA, representing 55 member nations, threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also voiced their opposition. Infantino stated the project had created divisions contrary to FIFA's objective of unity. The decision came after Infantino's senior advisor resigned, urging others to speak out against the plan.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil reported on the reasons behind this decision. While the article does not specify when this change of heart occurred, it indicates that Infantino has reversed his controversial investment proposal. The core reason for backing down, as explained by Khalil, is the controversy surrounding the initial idea. The article does not provide further details on the specific nature of the controversy or the proposed stakes.

UEFA has confirmed sending a document preservation letter to FIFA, signaling potential legal action following FIFA President Gianni Infantino's now-abandoned plan to sell minority stakes in World Cups. This letter requires 18 FIFA executives, including Arsene Wenger, to retain relevant data and documents. UEFA stated they have lost confidence in Infantino and believe rebuilding trust at FIFA is necessary. While the letter does not confirm immediate legal action, it suggests UEFA is exploring all options for change at FIFA. Other confederations like CONCACAF and the AFC also rejected FIFA's plan, though only UEFA threatened a boycott.

UEFA has confirmed sending a document preservation letter to FIFA following the withdrawal of Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits. This legal step notifies FIFA to retain relevant data and documents as potential evidence. The preservation letter, sent by UEFA's legal counsel, indicates that UEFA is actively considering legal action, arbitration, or regulatory complaints related to the proposed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" (FFE) plan. The plan, which aimed to raise $4.2 billion from private investors, was dropped after facing significant backlash, including threats of boycotts from UEFA member federations. UEFA has also signaled its desire to find an alternative candidate for FIFA president in the upcoming election.

UEFA has threatened FIFA with legal action over President Gianni Infantino's recently withdrawn plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors. The European soccer body informed FIFA that it is "actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints" related to the proposed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" (FFE) plan. UEFA also formally notified FIFA that any destruction of relevant evidence would be considered spoliation. The FFE proposal, which aimed to raise $4.2 billion, was dropped after facing global backlash, with UEFA leading the opposition. UEFA has also signaled a desire to end Infantino's presidency, stating he has lost the confidence of world soccer.

FIFA has proposed creating a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to manage the World Cup and other events, with plans to sell minority stakes of up to 20 percent to private investors. This move aims to raise up to $4.2 billion, which FIFA states will be reinvested in global football development. The proposal, which still requires a vote from FIFA's 211 member nations, has drawn strong criticism from UEFA, who view it as crossing an unacceptable line for football governance. A potential investor group is expected to be led by a vehicle founded by Joshua Kushner.

Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his position on the White House Task Force for the World Cup in protest of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the organization's commercial businesses. Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker and ex-U.S. Soccer Federation president, called the proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary with 20% private ownership a "bad deal for football," arguing that FIFA has sufficient financial resources and does not need to mortgage its future for $4.2 billion. He expressed opposition to the plan, which involves an investment firm linked to Joshua Kushner, and urged other FIFA staff to speak out. European nations have also agreed to boycott FIFA competitions in response to the plan.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has strongly criticized FIFA's proposal to create a subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other events, with plans to sell up to 20 percent stakes to external investors. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years until 2015, stated that the World Cup is not a commercial asset for executives or private equity investors seeking profits, but rather belongs to the people and is part of world football's cultural heritage. He argued that transforming FIFA into a profit-oriented corporate structure would cause it to lose its soul. This plan has also drawn criticism from European football authorities like UEFA, who believe FIFA is putting the game up for sale.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has expressed strong disapproval of FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. In a letter to the AFC's 47 member associations, he stated that the lack of consultation from FIFA was "totally unacceptable" and that the move undermines the sport's continental structure. FIFA announced its intention to create a $20 billion commercial subsidiary to manage its events, a decision that blindsided regional confederations like the AFC. Sheikh Salman emphasized that the proposal cannot succeed without the support of all confederations and called for a thorough examination through appropriate legal and governance channels.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign over proposed plans to sell a stake in the World Cup. Burnham described the proposals as "outrageous" and stated that Infantino is the "wrong man to lead the organisation." This intervention makes Burnham the first leader of a major nation to demand Infantino's resignation. FIFA plans to create an investment vehicle holding World Cup commercial rights and sell a portion for $4.2 billion. The proposal has faced significant backlash from football bodies, including UEFA, and led to the resignation of a senior FIFA adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, who called it a "bad deal for football."

Uefa member federations have agreed to boycott all Fifa competitions in protest of Fifa President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. The decision was made during an urgent online meeting of the 55 European football body members. Uefa stated that "some things are simply too important to sell" and that the World Cup belongs to football and will never be for sale as long as Europe has a voice. The article also mentions that the core investor would be a US investment firm created by Joshua Kushner.