UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to be replaced in light of the controversies trailing FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in a newly created commercial entity.
Burnham described FIFA’s proposal to attract outside investors as “an outrageous suggestion”, arguing that the very fact the plan had reached member associations demonstrated that Infantino was “the wrong man to lead the organisation.” His remarks make him the first leader of a major nation to publicly question Infantino’s suitability to remain FIFA president.
The criticism came hours after Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser and former president of the US Soccer Federation, resigned in protest. Cordeiro, who had advised Infantino for nearly five years, said he had no involvement in the proposal and opposed it “unequivocally,” describing the plan as equivalent to “mortgaging football’s future without any compelling justification.”
“It is a bad deal for FIFA’s Member Associations, a bad deal for football and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game,” Cordeiro said in his resignation statement.
Controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise
FIFA has proposed the establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial vehicle valued at approximately $20 billion, and plans to sell a 20% stake to private investors. Under the proposal, member associations would receive an immediate $20 million payment upon approval, followed by another $20 million in funding over the next four years.
Despite opposition from several continental confederations, FIFA said on Friday it intends to continue consultations, insisting that “nobody is selling football.” The governing body said every one of its 211 member associations would have an opportunity to vote and stressed it remained open to approving, rejecting or amending elements of the proposal after consultation.
The Asian Football Confederation said the controversy extended “far beyond a single proposal,” arguing that the episode had exposed “fundamental weaknesses” in FIFA’s governance and consultation processes that require institutional reform.
UEFA was quick to reject the proposal, condemning FIFA’s handling of the process as “irresponsible and indefensible” and accusing Infantino of “governance by intimidation.” Europe’s governing body further warned that its 55 member associations would boycott FIFA competitions if the investment proposal proceeds.
In North and Central America, it is reported that several members of CONCACAF have either lost confidence in Infantino or are increasingly questioning his leadership following the investment proposal.
Infantino’s Reelection Bid
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for 18 March 2027 during the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino announced earlier this year that he will seek another four-year term after serving as FIFA president since 2016 with candidate nominations expected to close in November 2026.
While no formal challenger has declared a candidacy, several names have emerged in media reports including: Victor Montagliani, The CONCACAF president who is reportedly considering mounting a challenge following the backlash over FIFA’s commercial plans.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has also been mentioned in European football circles as a possible consensus candidate, but he has publicly dismissed suggestions that he intends to run. Similarly, UEFA president Alexander Čeferin has been widely viewed as a potential contender because of his influence in European football, although reports indicate he prefers to remain in his current position rather than seek the FIFA presidency.
