FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors has sparked outrage across the global football community. The controversial plan has been firmly rejected by football governing bodies in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Amid mounting criticism, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said FIFA President Gianni Infantino is “the wrong person” to lead the organization and should resign immediately.
The backlash and growing political pressure follow FIFA’s controversial proposal to allow private investors to acquire a financial stake in the World Cup, according to a report by the BBC.
Burnham had criticized the proposal shortly after it was first announced.
Speaking during a visit to a community center in Sheffield on Friday, July 31, the newly appointed British prime minister described FIFA’s proposal as “unacceptable” and “deeply objectionable.”
A well-known football enthusiast, Burnham said, “Football does not belong to investors—it belongs to the fans. The very fact that such a proposal was brought forward shows that Infantino is completely unfit for this position.”
Burnham’s remarks came just hours after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed its solidarity with football governing bodies in Europe and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) in opposing FIFA’s proposal.
