AFC opposes FIFA project; Infantino's advisor resigns
The repercussions of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) project, which calls for the creation of a commercial company open to private sector investors, continue to reverberate within the world’s most popular sport. In its latest development, the Asian Football Confederation rejected the project, while its Oceania counterpart invited stakeholders to “study” it. Meanwhile, Carlos Cordeiro, an advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, opposed the plan and submitted his resignation, effective immediately.
However, the wave of opposition is gradually intensifying. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Infantino is not the “right person” to lead FIFA, saying, “This was a disgraceful proposal. Just thinking about it shows, in my opinion, that Gianni Infantino is not the right person to lead FIFA.”
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced its support for its European (UEFA) and North, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) counterparts, who oppose the project, with the aim of “protecting the World Cup,” according to a statement issued by the AFC.
The continental confederation, which comprises 47 members, stated, “In light of the positions expressed by UEFA and CONCACAF, as well as the unprecedented divisions that have emerged in the world of football, the Asian Football Confederation believes that the proposed project cannot realistically achieve the broad consensus and unity necessary to move it forward.”
It further observed that the project “has highlighted fundamental weaknesses in FIFA’s consultation and decision-making mechanisms,” calling on the international federation to conduct an “urgent review of its governance framework.”
It added, “A project of such importance, which could impact the commercial, sporting, and strategic future of global football, should not emerge from procedures that give continental confederations, member associations, and even FIFA’s leadership bodies a sense of being excluded from the process.”
For its part, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) announced that its 11 member associations would “study the FIFA project and participate in the consultation process” launched by FIFA.
Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior advisor, submitted his resignation effective immediately, expressing his unequivocal opposition to the FIFA project.
The former American banker said, “Let us be clear: I played no role in this proposal, and I unequivocally oppose it. It is bad for FIFA’s member associations, bad for football, and bad for the long-term future of the game.”
Cordeiro has worked at FIFA for more than five years and is regarded as “one of the most prominent leaders in the world of football.”
He also served as senior advisor to the White House task force tasked with overseeing preparations for the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, a position appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
His resignation represents another blow to Infantino, who has faced escalating opposition to his proposed project since Tuesday.
Amid the wave of objections, FIFA responded to its critics, pledging to proceed with “open and democratic” consultations with stakeholders regarding a proposed plan to attract private sector investors.
Through this project, FIFA aims to raise funding for football development to $10 billion over the next four years, according to its stated goal.
