FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has publicly criticized Gianni Infantino in a leaked email, intensifying the pressure on the beleaguered president. The backlash follows Infantino's decision to abandon a controversial plan to create a commercial subsidiary that would sell stocks in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
Widespread Opposition
The plan faced fierce opposition from football bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, which publicly withdrew their support. The Welsh, Swedish, and Serbian football associations have also withdrawn their backing, with more expected to follow.
Internal dissent has grown, with senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigning and Arsene Wenger publicly stating that abandoning the plan was "the right thing to do."
Leaked Email Reveals Discontent
In an extraordinary message to FIFA staff, Grafstrom appeared to suggest Infantino's tenure may be ending. He wrote: "A sad and reproachable series of events - which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned - for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality."
Grafstrom urged staff to remain focused on serving football and the 211 member associations, assuring them they would be "defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience." He added: "Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue."
Legal Threats
UEFA has threatened legal action, warning Infantino it is "actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints" and cautioning against destruction of evidence. The pressure on Infantino appears to be escalating as more figures within football speak out.
