FIFA chief Infantino's position looks unacceptable, head of European leagues says

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership is being called into question following a controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights. Claudius Schaefer, head of European professional football leagues, stated that Infantino's position as FIFA president appears untenable after the proposal triggered widespread protest and was ultimately scrapped. Schaefer, whose organization represents 53 professional football leagues, told the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung that such a move, pushed forward without the involvement of FIFA's key bodies, typically leads to only one consequence in any company or association. He suggested that this consequence implies Infantino is no longer acceptable as FIFA president. Infantino announced on Friday that the plan had been abandoned due to a significant backlash. The regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF had previously declared they had lost confidence in his leadership. Schaefer, who also serves as CEO of the Swiss Football League, criticized the proposal, suggesting it prioritized maximizing profits for third parties through future competitions over other considerations. He argued that the plan ignored crucial aspects and was solely focused on financial advantages. The European Leagues opposed the deal because it would have led to an increase in international matches, further straining an already packed calendar and negatively impacting national championships. Schaefer expressed surprise that the FIFA president acted entirely alone on this matter, with even the FIFA Council unaware of the plans.

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When I saw how this whole thing unfolded and that FIFA's key bodies weren't involved, then there's essentially only one consequence in any company or association.