Burnham Demands Infantino Resign Over FIFA’s World Cup Stake Sale

During a visit to a Sheffield community centre, the UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down, describing the proposal to sell a share of the World Cup as “outrageous.” He is the first leader of a major nation to publicly demand Infantino’s resignation.

The Guardian

FIFA plans to create an investment vehicle that would hold commercial rights linked to the World Cup and sell a portion of that vehicle to private investors for roughly $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion). The proposal has triggered a backlash from UEFA and other member bodies, and FIFA faces the threat of a boycott from all 55 European national associations. The governing body has indicated that the plan will proceed despite the opposition.

The Guardian

Burnham’s remarks and Cordeiro’s departure underscore mounting internal and external pressure on Infantino’s leadership.

The Guardian

• “My view is strengthening – this was an outrageous suggestion. The idea that it could even be brought forward, in my view, shows that the Fifa [president] is the wrong man to lead the organisation.” — Friday, of a key adviser

The Guardian

• “I cannot stand by while Fifa considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” — Carlos Cordeiro

The Guardian