Andy Burnham has criticized Gianni Infantino as unsuitable to lead FIFA amid the controversy over proposed World Cup stake sales. The Prime Minister denounced the plan as “outrageous,” prompting FIFA to launch a consultation for a new $20 billion entity named FIFA Forward Enterprise.
Infantino faced further backlash as senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest against the stake sale idea. Burnham expressed his growing opposition to the plan, stating that Infantino is not fit to head the organization.
Burnham’s remarks mark the first major country leader to question Infantino’s leadership. European football associations threatened to boycott FIFA events, with US Soccer chief Cordeiro calling the proposal detrimental to football’s future.
Cordeiro, who served as a senior adviser to Infantino since 2021, emphasized FIFA’s financial capabilities without the need for selling stakes. UEFA and The FA supported the stand against the proposal, asserting that the FIFA World Cup belongs to football and fans, not wealthy investors.
The Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf also opposed the plan, urging FIFA to review its decision-making process. Despite resistance, FIFA insisted on proceeding with consultations to allow member associations to vote based on facts.
