Lothar Matthäus criticizes FIFA President Infantino: 'He has overdone it'

Lothar Matthäus, Germany's record international footballer, has sharply criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial investor plans, stating that the timing for such proposals was "one of the worst ever."

Matthäus expressed his strong disapproval in a column for the TV channel Sky, calling the idea of raising billions by selling commercial rights, such as those for the World Cup, "nonsensical." Infantino recently withdrew these plans following significant opposition.

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He has chosen one of the worst possible times ever for his plans.

The pressure on Infantino is mounting. The European football governing body, UEFA, has threatened legal action, reportedly demanding that Infantino preserve all documentation related to the abandoned investor project. This comes as several national football associations have publicly withdrawn their support for Infantino's re-election bid.

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There is hardly anything more nonsensical than this idea for me.

Wales was the first national association to publicly revoke its support, citing "recent deficits in responsible governance, decision-making, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communication, and judgment." The Serbian Football Association followed suit, retracting its earlier written support. Reports suggest England is also preparing a similar letter to FIFA's leadership.

While acknowledging that Infantino has achieved some things during his tenure, Matthäus believes the FIFA president has "overdone it this time." He suggested Infantino was either poorly advised or not advised at all, implying that the failed investor plans could cost him his position.

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But now he has overdone it. He has been poorly advised or not advised at all.