Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 5
Carney Withdraws Confidence in Infantino Over $20 Billion World Cup Stake Plan
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 5

Carney Withdraws Confidence in Infantino Over $20 Billion World Cup Stake Plan

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 5

Summary

  • Mark Carney said Gianni Infantino committed a “fatal” governance failure and that he no longer has confidence in the FIFA president after the World Cup stake-sale plan collapsed.
  • The abandoned proposal would have put a new $20 billion World Cup company under private investors, including the Kushner family, and Carney said Infantino failed to consult FIFA board members and senior executives.
  • UEFA’s 55 member associations had agreed to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if the plan went ahead, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also opposed it.
  • British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had already called Infantino “the wrong man to lead” world soccer, and UEFA says it will work with other confederations to prevent a similar proposal from returning.
  • FIFA did not immediately comment; the next presidential election is set for March in Rabat, with candidates able to enter the race until Nov. 18.

Insights

Could the blocked $20 billion privatization plan ultimately cost Gianni Infantino his FIFA presidency in the upcoming election?
Will the severe internal rebellion against this secret commercial deal finally shatter the illusion of FIFA's post-scandal governance reforms?
How will FIFA bridge its massive development funding gap now that the controversial private equity injection has collapsed?