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UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA's Infantino after failed private equity plan
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell World Cup profits to private investors was scrapped after strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, along with internal dissent within FIFA.
- UEFA, led by President Aleksander Čeferin, called for accountability and suggested that removing Infantino from office should be considered, citing loss of confidence in his leadership.
- Infantino’s proposal involved creating a $20 billion company with private investors, including a key investment from a firm linked to Joshua Kushner, but it faced backlash for lack of transparency and potential harm to the sport.
- This controversy marks the third major failed initiative by Infantino, who previously abandoned plans for new competitions backed by SoftBank and a proposal to hold World Cups every two years.
- The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2024, with Nov. 18 as the candidate registration deadline; Infantino is eligible for one more term but faces growing opposition that could threaten his presidency.
