Fifa: strong internal and external opposition to the controversial project
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Gianni Infantino's plan to open the governance of Fifa to private investors for its major competitions is the subject of strong opposition. Fifa's director of operations, Kevin Lamour, publicly criticizes this project, a confederation, the AFC, officially opposes it, a key advisor resigns, while the English Prime Minister condemns Infantino.
According to Bbc.
Why it matters
The controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino's project raises crucial questions about the future of Fifa's governance. The growing resistance of several confederations, notably the AFC, highlights internal and external tensions that could affect the stability of the organization. This debate could also influence the perception of the public and potential investors in the context of the transfer market and investments in football.
Key points
- Fifa: strong internal and external opposition to the controversial project.
- Gianni Infantino's plan to open the governance of Fifa to private investors for its major competitions is the subject of strong contestation.
- Gianni Infantino: Fifa executive joins PM Andy Burnham in questioning Infantino - BBC Sport.
In an already tense context, the presidency of Gianni Infantino at the head of Fifa is facing a deep crisis. This Friday, the director of operations of the international federation, Kevin Lamour, publicly denounced in a press release released to the Associated Press Infantino's controversial plan to sell minority shares of its major competitions, notably the World Cup, to private investors. Without naming him directly, Lamour calls this project a "one-person project" and calls on football's political leaders to ask themselves "the right questions" before making a decision.
This position comes on the same day that a third major football confederation officially opposed this plan. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed its solidarity with European and North American confederations, saying that this project risks compromising the unity and universal character of the World Cup. The Asian body emphasizes that the world tournament “is the pinnacle of world football” and that it must remain a collective and unifying competition.
In addition, Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior advisor on global strategy and governance, submitted his resignation, denouncing a “bad deal for football” which jeopardizes its future. A former investment banker and key figure in the preparation of the 2026 World Cup, Cordeiro criticizes the absence of clear answers to fundamental questions about the nature and control of the project, as well as the timetable imposed on Fifa members.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also condemned the proposal, calling it “outrageous” and saying that Gianni Infantino was “not the right person” to lead Fifa.
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Infantino's project is based on the creation of a commercial subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), intended to manage the federation's major events. This would seek to attract minority, non-controlling investors through funds such as Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital group linked to Joshua Kushner, brother of the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump. A 25-page document prepared by investment bank JP Morgan promises an expansion of tournaments and increased revenues, estimating a payout of 24 million euros per member between 2035 and 2039. But this plan does not mention specific development of women's football.
Kevin Lamour, who has held the position of COO since November 2024 after having been deputy secretary general of UEFA, deplores the current working conditions at Fifa and the decline in the sense of pride among its employees. He nevertheless assumes his duty of loyalty to his values and his colleagues, at the risk of losing his position.
The AFC also criticizes the lack of consultation of members in this major project, denouncing unilateral management and a weakening of internal authorities including the Fifa Council. It calls for a reform of the governance of the federation in order to ensure collective and transparent decision-making, reflecting the global diversity of football.
This massive opposition - political, internal, and from major confederations - now makes the adoption of the project unlikely during the vote of the 211 members of Fifa. To be validated, the plan requires a simple majority, i.e. 106 votes in favor, while UEFA (55 members), Concacaf (35 members) and the AFC (46 members), totaling 136 votes, are positioned against. This rejection therefore risks marking a turning point in Infantino's presidency and in the governance of world football.
The rest
As the protest intensifies, it is likely that other confederations will join in criticizing Infantino's project. Carlos Cordeiro's resignation could also prompt other members of the management to reconsider their position. Fifa will have to navigate these challenges while maintaining the integrity of its competitions, particularly in view of the 2026 World Cup, which is a key event for the development of world football.
Frequently asked questions
Who is involved in Gianni Infantino's controversial project?
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, and Kevin Lamour, director of operations of the international federation, are the main players mentioned.
Where is Kevin Lamour from?
Kevin Lamour is FIFA's director of operations.
Why is the Asian Football Confederation opposed to Infantino's project?
The Asian Football Confederation opposes the project because it believes that
it risks compromising the unity and universal character of the World Cup.
What is the status of the proposed sale of minority shares in major competitions?
The project faces strong internal and external opposition, notably from several football confederations.
When did Carlos Cordeiro submit his resignation?
Carlos Cordeiro submitted his resignation on the same day that the Asian Football Confederation expressed its opposition to the project.