British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared FIFA President Gianni Infantino “the wrong man” to lead world football, intensifying pressure on the governing body over its controversial proposal to sell stakes in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions to private investors.
Burnham’s comments come as resistance to the proposal continues to grow, with several continental football bodies rejecting the plan over concerns that it could undermine the integrity and independence of the sport’s biggest tournaments.
Speaking on Friday, the UK Prime Minister described the proposal as “an outrageous suggestion”, arguing that the mere presentation of such an idea reflected poor leadership at FIFA.
“The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, that (Infantino) is the wrong man to lead the organisation,” Burnham said.
The British leader maintained that football should remain under the control of supporters and stakeholders rather than financial investors seeking commercial returns.
Burnham, a lifelong Everton supporter, had earlier condemned the proposal after FIFA unveiled the plan earlier this week.
“Football does not belong to investors,” he wrote on social media. “It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.”
His latest intervention adds political weight to the growing international opposition confronting Infantino’s administration after FIFA announced plans to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage its flagship competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, while allowing external investors to acquire equity stakes in the business.
The proposal has already triggered strong resistance across world football. UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan proceeds, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also rejected the proposal, citing concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation with member associations.
Despite the backlash, FIFA has insisted it will continue consultations with its 211 member associations, maintaining that the proposal is designed to generate additional revenue for football development worldwide and does not amount to selling the sport.
Burnham’s remarks represent one of the strongest political rebukes directed at Infantino since the proposal was unveiled, adding further pressure on FIFA as opposition continues to spread across football’s governing bodies.
(The Sun)