FIFA: Infantino drops controversial project, Arsène Wenger hails the decision

A week ago, the news sent shockwaves through the football world. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had the idea of creating a commercial company to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors.

But, faced with a media firestorm over the decision, Infantino quickly scrapped the project. According to FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, this U-turn was both necessary and inevitable for the president of world football’s governing body.

"I was not involved in the development of this strategic plan and I first learned about this project through the media. The decision to abandon this project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our sport with commitment, transparency, and integrity," said the former Arsenal manager in an official statement.

FIFA: Gianni Infantino increasingly isolated

In his statement, the Frenchman added: “I was not involved in this project, which I only learned about through the press.” A direct response to criticism aimed at him.

Read also: FIFA: Gianni Infantino's opponents ready to create their own competition

Wenger’s remarks echo those of Carlos Cordeiro. The former senior advisor to Gianni Infantino resigned with immediate effect last Friday after publicly distancing himself from the president. "Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I unequivocally oppose it. It is a bad deal for FIFA’s member associations, for football, and for the long-term future of the sport," stated the American.

On Tuesday, FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström also sent a lengthy message to all employees at the world governing body, pointedly never mentioning Gianni Infantino by name. FIFA’s number two also referred to "a series of regrettable and condemnable events – which fortunately ended with the definitive abandonment of the FFE project" and made it clear that "his door" will always remain open to discuss the situation.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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