Prime Minister Andy Burnham calls for 'wrong man' Gianni Infantino to be replaced as FIFA president
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly called for the removal of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The criticism follows widespread backlash against proposed plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity firms.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant governance crisis in international sports, pitting political leaders against the leadership of the world's most powerful football governing body.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has branded Gianni Infantino the wrong man to lead FIFA following widespread backlash over plans for private equity to sell stakes in the World Cup. Burnham condemned the controversial commercial proposals after a senior adviser resigned and key regional confederations united to oppose the governing body’s blueprint.
Burnham has launched a stinging attack on Infantino’s leadership of FIFA following a wave of backlash against plans to commercialise the organisation. The resistance has intensified following the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro and formal opposition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) , UEFA , and CONCACAF . Burnham argued that Infantino’s attempt to sell off a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors represents a fundamentally flawed decision for the future of world football.
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