World Cup on the Line: Infantino Tries to Save His Job After Devastating Defeat

The World Cup is no longer up for sale: Gianni Infantino’s plan has fallen through after encountering strong opposition from most of the member associations. The FIFA president had offered the 211 member associations a $40 million “bonus” in exchange for their support of the plan, which would have led to the creation of a new entity: FIFA Forward Enterprise, a separate entity from FIFA and open to private investors, would have been entrusted with commercial rights and the organization of events and competitions.

The FFE would have been backed by the U.S. bank JP Morgan and the foundation of the Kushner family, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The plan to sell off part of the World Cup’s equity infuriated the federations: UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments, was joined by all other world confederations except for Africa’s CAF. Furthermore, Infantino’s right-hand man, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest against the privatization of the World Cup.

The pressure proved too much for Infantino, who backtracked with an official statement: “The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was designed to lay the groundwork for the future strengthening of FIFA’s member associations and world soccer, especially where support is most needed. Furthermore, as stated from the outset, it would have gone ahead only if a majority of the federations had supported the idea and only following a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations, and other stakeholders. Having listened carefully to all points of view, it has become clear that the project has created divisions which, on multiple levels, no longer make the project’s founding objectives sustainable. Our goal has always been—and always will be—to unite and improve. Therefore, our proposal will not move forward. Moving forward, my intention is to bring all stakeholders together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of our shared interests in the game and our goals of continuing to grow soccer everywhere, especially in those nations that need our support the most.”

Following his failed unilateral initiative, Gianni Infantino stands alone, and for many, his departure is only a matter of time. In the wake of the World Cup scandals and this controversial aftermath, many are calling for the immediate resignation of the FIFA president, who is now weaker and less credible than ever.