UEFA loses trust in FIFA President Infantino

UEFA has expressed a significant loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, following the international football federation's controversial attempt to sell stakes in major tournaments like the World Cup to private investors. The European governing body criticized the process, describing it as "secretive plans pushed through at express speed, developed by anonymous individuals and with highly questionable benefit to the sport."

In a statement, UEFA declared, "We cannot continue this way." The organization emphasized that the withdrawal of the proposal, while a positive step, is just the beginning of a much larger effort to restore faith in FIFA's leadership and operations. UEFA insists that accountability is crucial, stating, "We must identify those responsible and hold them accountable."

“

We cannot continue this way, with secret plans pushed through at express speed, developed by anonymous individuals and with highly questionable benefit to the sport. We must identify those responsible and hold them accountable.

The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) echoed similar sentiments, welcoming FIFA's decision but also expressing ongoing concern. SvFF President Simon Åström commented, "This is in line with our expectations given the flawed process and the reactions the proposal has generated. At the same time, we remain concerned about deficiencies in governance, transparency, and management, and want to emphasize the importance of continued discussion and dialogue on how football should be governed and developed."

These statements highlight a deep rift between UEFA and FIFA, underscoring a desire for greater transparency and more inclusive decision-making within the global football administration. The focus now shifts to whether FIFA can genuinely address these governance issues and rebuild the trust it has lost.

“

This is in line with our expectations given the flawed process and the reactions the proposal has generated. At the same time, we remain concerned about deficiencies in governance, transparency, and management, and want to emphasize the importance of continued discussion and dialogue on how football should be governed and developed.