The project to sell parts of the FIFA World Cup to external investors has been abandoned. The pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino became too great.
– After listening carefully to all viewpoints, it has become clear that the project has created such deep division that, regardless of the support it has received, it no longer serves its original purpose, Infantino told Sky News.
– Our goal has always been – and will always be – to foster unity and improvement. Therefore, this proposal will not be implemented.
– Going forward, it is my intention to bring all stakeholders together again over the coming days and weeks, in a spirit of shared commitment to our sport, with the aim of continuing to develop football everywhere, and especially in those countries that are most in need of our support.
Resigned in protest
The past few days have been turbulent for FIFA and Infantino. Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest on Friday, and FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour publicly voiced sharp criticism the same day.
UEFA resolved to boycott the FIFA World Cup if Infantino’s proposal were adopted. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) had also been considering the same course of action earlier this week. The Norwegian Football Association, led by Lise Klaveness, likewise spoke out strongly.
– I believe this project will be shelved. It does not have sufficient support, Norwegian Football Association President Lise Klaveness said during a press briefing at Ullevaal Stadium on Friday.
Standing for re-election
According to Klaveness, Infantino’s position as FIFA President has been weakened. She declined to say what she personally thinks about Infantino’s future but announced that the entire matter will be discussed at a board meeting of the Norwegian Football Association on 6 August.
Infantino has confirmed that he will stand for re-election at the FIFA Congress in Morocco next year. So far, no challenger has declared a candidacy, but, as Klaveness suggests, the Swiss official’s position has probably been weakened. In any case, it is difficult to identify any obvious challengers.