New earthquake within FIFA. Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, announced his immediate resignation after publicly distancing himself from the plan to sell a portion of the World Cup's economic rights to private investors. In a particularly firm statement, the former president of the United States Soccer Federation asserted that he had never been informed of this initiative. He maintained that he had not participated in any preparatory discussions and indicated his "unequivocal" opposition to it, believing that this operation would be a mistake for FIFA's member associations, for world football, and for its long-term future.
"I cannot stand idly by."
Carlos Cordeiro explains that his decision is driven by both personal and professional convictions. A former banker with over thirty-five years of experience in the financial sector, he asserts that he fully understands the value of an asset like the World Cup and the consequences of selling off a portion of its future revenue. : “As senior advisor to the FIFA president, a former banker, and a lifelong football supporter, I cannot stand idly by while FIFA considers selling part of the World Cup. Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal and I unequivocally oppose it. This is bad news for FIFA’s member associations, for football, and for its long-term future.”
Many questions remain unanswered
In his statement, Carlos Cordeiro also criticizes the lack of transparency surrounding this project. He believes that several essential questions remain unanswered. He specifically questions the reasons behind this operation, its timeline, the planned control mechanisms, the true beneficiaries of the agreement, the possible existence of a competitive process, and the future governance of the arrangement. He also questions the expected gains for investors and the potential cost of this operation to world football. For him, the absence of answers to these questions makes any support for the project impossible.
An immediate resignation
Believing he could no longer defend FIFA's position on this matter, Carlos Cordeiro announced his immediate resignation. : "After careful consideration, I can no longer continue in my role as senior advisor to the FIFA president. I have therefore resigned with immediate effect."
This resignation represents a significant setback for Gianni Infantino. Carlos Cordeiro held the position of senior advisor to the FIFA president and was part of his inner circle. His public departure, coupled with such direct criticism of the proposed sale of World Cup-related assets, intensifies tensions surrounding this initiative and further weakens his position within the world governing body.
