FIFA president Infantino faces legal threats and mounting revolt over World Cup plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces legal action and calls to step down after a controversial proposal to privatize World Cup commercial rights collapsed.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing an intensifying crisis following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors, including venture capitalist Joshua Kushner.
European football governing body UEFA has threatened legal action and regulatory complaints against Infantino and associated parties. According to senior UEFA sources, several European opponents are threatening "non co-operation" with FIFA unless Infantino steps down. Multiple football associations, including Wales and England, have withdrawn support for his re-election bid in March, although several African and Asian federations have offered support. Reports also indicate Infantino attempted to contact officials in the United States administration after feeling isolated amid the fallout.
Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, Politico Europe (Defense), STV News, Sweden Herald
Sources
- Politico Europe (Defense) — UEFA threatens Infantino, Joshua Kushner with legal action
- Cyprus Mail — Infantino sought Trump backing after failed World Cup sell-off plan
- Sweden Herald — Infantino’s scrapped World Cup sales plan: How the backlash unfolded
- BBC News — Infantino opponents threaten 'non co-operation' with Fifa
- STV News — Could Gianni Infantino be removed as Fifa’s president, and how would it work?