Infantino’s senior adviser quits as opposition to FIFA investment plan grows

Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has resigned, adding to the mounting opposition against Infantino's controversial plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. Cordeiro publicly criticized the proposal, labeling it a "bad deal for football" that would "mortgage football’s future."

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a bad deal for football

The resignation follows the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) decision to oppose the investment plan, making it the third major football confederation to reject the proposal. UEFA and Concacaf had previously voiced their opposition. In a statement, the AFC declared its solidarity with UEFA and Concacaf, arguing that the plan could not "realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward."

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mortgage football’s future

The AFC emphasized the importance of the FIFA World Cup, stating it is the "pinnacle of global football" and derives its strength from the participation of all confederations and leading football nations. The confederation warned that "any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."

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stands in solidarity

This unified opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC represents a significant setback for Infantino's plans. The proposal required a simple majority of 106 votes from FIFA's 211 member associations for approval. With UEFA (55 members), Concacaf (35 members), and AFC (46 members) opposing the plan, a combined 136 votes are expected to be cast against it, making its approval highly improbable.

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could not “realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward.”