Infantino's top advisor resigns; UEFA nations boycott World Cup stake sale
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A senior advisor handpicked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino has resigned.
- This follows a decision by 55 European member nations to boycott the sale of a 20% stake in the World Cup operating company.
- The advisor protested FIFA's plan to sell shares in the World Cup.
FIFA's controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in the company that operates the World Cup has triggered significant backlash, culminating in the resignation of a senior advisor directly appointed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The move signals deep divisions within the global football governing body over its commercial strategies.
Carlos Cordero, a senior advisor to the FIFA president, announced his immediate resignation, citing his opposition to the proposed share sale. In his resignation statement, Cordero expressed his disapproval of the plan, which has also drawn strong opposition from UEFA. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), representing 55 member nations, has resolved to boycott the sale, further isolating Infantino's administration.
Reuters reported on the resignation, highlighting Cordero's direct appointment by Infantino as a key detail. This departure of a close confidant suggests the internal pressure on Infantino is mounting. The European bloc's unified stance against the share sale represents a significant challenge to FIFA's leadership and its vision for the future commercialization of its flagship tournament.
The FIFA president's senior advisor, handpicked by Infantino himself, has resigned.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.