The scandal is gaining momentum. UEFA slams Infantino after FIFA rejects investor deal
UEFA has issued a scathing statement directed at FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the international federation officially abandoned the idea of bringing private investors into the commercial rights for its tournaments, including the World Cup.
The project had previously faced fierce resistance from UEFA as well as the AFC and CONCACAF confederations. Once the initiative ultimately collapsed, the European football union released a statement welcoming FIFA’s decision to drop the controversial plan. UEFA emphasized that the proposal was unanimously rejected by the organization’s national associations and was backed by numerous football bodies worldwide.
The criticism aimed at Gianni Infantino was particularly harsh. UEFA declared that FIFA’s current leadership has lost the trust of a significant part of the global football community.
When Infantino was elected FIFA president in 2016, he promised transparency and assured that the organization’s funds would serve solely for the development of football. He has not fulfilled any of those promises. The backstage deal he proposed had nothing to do with transparency, the statement reads.
UEFA also drew attention to FIFA’s financial standing. According to the European confederation, the organization holds reserves of over five billion dollars and is fully capable of funding football development without selling commercial rights to its biggest tournaments.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
