A major setback has hit Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup. Carlos Cordeiro, the FIFA president’s senior adviser, has resigned with immediate effect, publicly opposing the plan.
Carlos Cordeiro, one of Gianni Infantino’s closest advisers at FIFA, has stepped down after expressing strong opposition to the organisation’s proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup.
In a statement released on Friday, the American football executive said he could not support the initiative and described it as a bad deal for the sport.
“To be clear: I had no role in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” Cordeiro said.
Questions over FIFA’s financial strategy
Cordeiro questioned why FIFA would consider raising $4.2 billion by selling a stake in what he described as the organisation’s most valuable asset: the World Cup.
He argued that FIFA already has significant financial reserves and no debt, raising questions about the need for such a move.
“I cannot stand on the sidelines,” he said while explaining his decision to resign.
Growing opposition to the proposal
Cordeiro’s resignation represents another challenge for Infantino’s project, which has already faced resistance from several football bodies.
UEFA and Concacaf have rejected the proposal, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has supported the concerns raised, although it has not officially declared opposition.
The development adds further pressure on FIFA as it seeks support from its member associations for its plans.
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