Pressure is mounting on FIFA President Gianni Infantino after UEFA and Concacaf called for a review of FIFA’s leadership following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell stakes in the organization’s competitions to private investors.
UEFA described FIFA’s decision to abandon the proposal as a “victory for the whole game” but accused Infantino’s leadership of failing to uphold promises of transparency and accountability made when he was elected in 2016.
Concacaf also criticized the plan, calling it a sign of “poor governance and leadership” and said “a full review of this leadership must now take place.”
The proposal would have allowed outside investors to buy minority stakes in a new FIFA commercial entity managing major competitions, including the World Cup. Critics argued the plan was developed without proper consultation and risked treating football’s biggest tournament as an investment product.
The controversy comes as Infantino prepares to seek a fourth term as FIFA president in March. FIFA has not yet responded to UEFA’s criticism.
Qatar’s football association has defended Infantino, saying it supports his efforts to grow the sport globally.
