Football
Football
Top FIFA Officials Denounce Withdrawn Investment Plan
FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger, and secretary general, Mattias Grafström, have publicly criticized the recently abandoned plan for private investment in the organization's competitions. Wenger stated that withdrawing the proposal was "absolutely necessary and beyond question," while Grafström characterized the situation as a "sad and reproachable series of events."
The controversial plan, championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, aimed to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage major events, including the World Cup, allowing external investors to acquire stakes. Infantino had offered $40 million to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations in exchange for their support. However, the initiative faced significant backlash, including a boycott threat from UEFA’s 55 nations, ultimately forcing Infantino to retract the proposal.
Wenger, who has held his FIFA role since 2019, encompassing data analysis, online training, and youth competitions, issued a statement through FIFA to clarify his position. He asserted that he was not involved in the strategic plan’s development and learned about it through media reports. Wenger’s statement emphasized his belief in an independent FIFA operating with transparency and integrity.
The condemnations from Wenger and Grafström add to growing internal dissent, following the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro and sharp criticism from FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, who claimed the administration had been “deceived.” Grafström’s internal email to staff acknowledged an “extraordinary and challenging” week, though it refrained from directly naming Infantino.
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