High-level resignation at FIFA following Infantino's plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to open the commercial structure of the World Cup to private investors has brought about a new crisis in football governance. Following UEFA's harsh statements and boycott warning, one of Infantino's senior advisors, Carlos Cordeiro, announced that he has resigned from his post.

At the center of the controversy is the project announced by FIFA under the name "Fast Forward Programme" (FFE). FIFA stated that the new structure to be established would be worth 20 billion dollars, and that it aims to provide 4.2 billion dollars in funding in the long term through the sale of minority shares to external investors. The institution, however, argues that control will remain entirely with FIFA.

The plan has fueled a debate, particularly in the European football community, about "selling the World Cup." UEFA criticized the FIFA administration, emphasizing that football is not the property of any individual or institution. In its statement, UEFA included the phrase, "None of us are the owners of football."

CORDEIRO: I AM ABSOLUTELY AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL

Speaking to Sky News, former U.S. Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro linked his reason for leaving his post at FIFA directly to the World Cup plan. Cordeiro said, "As a senior advisor to the FIFA president, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand by and watch FIFA consider selling its stake in the World Cup."

Stating that he had no involvement in the proposal, Cordeiro said, "I want to make it clear: I have nothing to do with this proposal and I am absolutely against it. This is a bad deal for FIFA member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game."

The report also included claims that Infantino is determined to continue implementing the plan and that he would earn 1 million pounds per week under the agreement.

Taking its reaction a step further, UEFA announced that unless the plan is completely canceled, no national team affiliated with it will participate in FIFA organizations. Stating that it is "united" with its 55 member associations, UEFA declared, "Some things are too important to be sold. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It will always remain so, and as long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale."

The reaction was not limited to UEFA. CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also issued statements against the project. While the Confederation of African Football took a more cautious stance, calling on its members to participate in the consultation process, the Oceania Football Confederation announced that it would address the issue at its board meeting in August.

News Source: 12punto