Source: Fortune
Summary
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors has been met with widespread opposition, leading to a rift in global soccer. The plan, which would have created a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, was seen as a way for Infantino to create a commissioner-like role for himself beyond 2031. However, the proposal was met with resistance from European soccer federations, the soccer bodies of Asia and North America, and fans worldwide. Infantino has since abandoned the plan, but his support remains unclear, and his reelection in March is now in doubt.
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The strategy enters a familiar phase.
Infantino’s misstep has threatened his job and triggered a seismic rift in global soccer. The opposition to his plan was swift and widespread, with European soccer federations, the soccer bodies of Asia and North America, and fans worldwide voicing their discontent. Infantino’s support remains unclear, and his reelection in March is now in doubt. The talk of a likely direct challenger to Infantino’s presidency has never seemed more likely to become action.
Infantino’s attempt to create a commissioner-like role for himself beyond 2031 has backfired, and his credibility is now in question.
Author: Evan Null
