FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s top assistant quits with a surprising statement about the World Cup plans.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has just faced a big setback after his top aide quit in a strong statement against controversial World Cup plans.
Earlier this week, Infantino upset many by suggesting that outside parties could buy small shares in a new FIFA subsidiary called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This new part of FIFA could be worth about £15 billion and would mean selling shares in FIFA’s commercial and event activities.
Many groups have spoken out against this idea. UEFA responded angrily, and its 55 member associations promised to boycott the World Cup if the plans go ahead. Other football federations, like Concacaf and the AFC, feel the same way, bringing the total number of opposing members to over 100.
In a new twist, Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, announced he is quitting because he strongly disagrees with what he calls a “bad deal for the game.”
In his statement, Cordeiro said: “As a Senior Advisor to the FIFA President, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I can’t support selling a stake in the World Cup. I wasn’t involved in this proposal, and I oppose it completely. It’s a bad deal for FIFA’s Member Associations, the game, and its future.
“Football means a lot to me, and after over 35 years in banking, I know how valuable this asset is—and what it means to give part of it away. That’s why this plan should be rejected.
“FIFA already has huge financial resources—it has billions saved and no debt. The President mentioned $15 billion in revenue between 2022 and 2026. If more investment is needed to grow the game, FIFA can provide it with money it already has. Selling a permanent share just to raise $4.2 billion doesn’t make sense. It’s risking football’s future without good reason.
“This success didn’t happen by chance—it was built by experts who broke FIFA’s commercial records. But now, they’re told outside investors are needed to bring more value. I don’t believe that. The people who made this success already show FIFA can keep growing the game and its commercial future.
“What worries me most is there are many unanswered questions. Why this deal? Why now? Who oversees it? Who benefits? Was there a fair process? What rules are there? What do investors get, and what will football lose?
“These questions mostly remain unanswered, yet Member Associations must decide in about 50 days or risk being left out. That’s not a responsible way to decide football’s future.
“This proposal defines FIFA’s future. After thinking carefully, I can’t keep working as Senior Advisor. I’m resigning immediately.
“FIFA’s job isn’t just to make money—it’s to protect and grow football for future generations. When money and football clash, football must come first.
“It’s been an honor to serve FIFA for over five years and work with passionate people who love the game. I hope they speak up too, because decisions this big should be made for football’s good, not just for profit.”