FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under intense pressure following his controversial plan to sell portions of the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors. The proposal has ignited global opposition, with European nations threatening boycotts of FIFA competitions if the scheme is not abandoned.
The situation escalated dramatically with the resignation of one of Infantino's senior advisers and a sharp rebuke from FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour. Lamour, a close associate of Infantino, stated that staff and stakeholders had been "deceived" by the president and that the controversial "Fifa Forward Enterprise" plan was not a FIFA project but that of a single individual.
"What has been announced in recent days and what has been happening behind the scenes in recent months defies belief and imagination," Lamour said. He added that the unilateral exercise of power indicated a "lack of trust, a lack of transparency, a lack of discernment, a lack of good governance. And a serious lack of respect." Lamour asserted that FIFA's mission is not to serve personal interests and that colleagues "deserve better than contempt and intimidation."
UEFA and other confederations are reportedly seeking candidates to challenge Infantino in the upcoming FIFA election, casting doubt on his expected fourth term. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also backed UEFA and CONCACAF in their opposition, calling for the proposal to be scrapped, though it stopped short of threatening a boycott.
The AFC stated that the proposed FFE "cannot realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward" and called for an urgent review of FIFA's governance and decision-making framework. This sentiment echoes complaints about a lack of consultation on key decisions, including World Cup hosting arrangements.
Further concerns have been amplified by FIFA's recent tender for research companies to assess the economic benefits of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, demanding an accelerated timeline. FIFA has attempted to attribute the widespread opposition to media reporting, claiming a commitment to "open and democratic consultation," but this has been dismissed by opponents.
It is unlikely any mechanism to depose Infantino will be triggered immediately although in theory an extraordinary Fifa Congress, and subsequent vote of confidence, could be convened if 43 countries make such a request 2016. The priority around Uefa and beyond is to see off the FFE plan before taking further steps. Potential candidates to challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency in March may emerge from different continents, with CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa mentioned as possibilities.
Cordeiro quits as senior adviser to Fifa president
“The Fifa vice-presidents, the members of the Fifa Council, the confederations, the federations, the players, the leagues, the clubs, and the fans were not the only ones who were ignored. Fifa’s own administration was also deceived.
