Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has stepped down in protest against FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup. He described the plan as detrimental to football's future and expressed no involvement in the controversial initiative.
Widespread Opposition from Football Confederations
The plan has sparked significant resistance, particularly from UEFA, which has led calls for a boycott of FIFA tournaments. UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously voted to oppose the proposal, citing concerns over the commercialization of the sport’s core values.
Other regional bodies, including CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), have also voiced their disapproval. While CONCACAF rejected the plan outright, it stopped short of threatening a boycott. The AFC expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF but raised questions about the proposal's feasibility and FIFA's decision-making process.
FIFA's Proposal and Response
FIFA plans to establish a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and related events, offering up to 20% ownership to external investors. Thrive Eternal, led by Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner, is expected to spearhead the investment group.
FIFA maintains that the proposal will undergo a democratic consultation process with all 211 member associations, emphasizing that no decision will proceed without majority approval. The organization also refuted claims that football is being sold, underscoring the need for member associations to evaluate and vote on the plan.
Mixed Reactions Within Member Associations
Despite confederation opposition, some national associations remain open to the proposal. For instance, the Czech Football Association president acknowledged potential benefits, while Mexico's federation intends to review the plan before taking a stance.
Meanwhile, football figures like Spain’s 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso have publicly urged prioritizing fans' interests over private commercial gains.
