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Infantino's FIFA Leadership Challenged as Key Allies Criticize Abandoned World Cup Plan

Pressure mounts on FIFA president Gianni Infantino as key allies, including Arsene Wenger and Mattias Grafstrom, distance themselves from his controversial World Cup investment plan.

By Staff Correspondent
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Infantino's problems mount as Wenger and key FIFA ally turn on him | Sports
BSS

FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure as key allies turn against him following the abandonment of his controversial proposal to open the World Cup to private investment. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, appointed by Infantino as FIFA's chief of global football development, and secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom have both publicly criticized the plan, signaling a significant loss of confidence within the organization.

Infantino's Proposal and Its Fallout

Infantino proposed the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary that would manage events like the World Cup and Club World Cup, aiming to raise up to $4.2 billion. The plan was met with widespread condemnation, leading UEFA to threaten a boycott of all FIFA competitions. By Saturday, Infantino announced the plan's withdrawal, but the damage was done.

Internal and External Criticism

Wenger stated that withdrawing the project was 'absolutely necessary and beyond question.' Grafstrom, in an internal email, described the fiasco as 'a sad and reproachable series of events,' distancing himself from Infantino. Additionally, UEFA's lawyer Andrew Levander sent a letter threatening legal action over the 'shabby, backroom, opaque deal.'

The fallout has seen several UEFA member associations withdraw their support for Infantino, and Prince Ali bin Hussein accused FIFA of 'blackmail.' The 11 World Cup host cities in the United States are also chasing legacy payments promised by FIFA.

Source: BSS

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