FIFA Senior Adviser Cordeiro Resigns Over Infantino’s World Cup Investment Plan

FIFA Senior Adviser Carlos Cordeiro has resigned in protest over FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

Cordeiro’s departure marks the latest setback for Infantino, amid growing opposition to the proposed Football Future Enterprise (FFE) plan, which has sparked widespread criticism within the global football community.

Announcing his decision, the former adviser made it clear that he had no role in developing the proposal and strongly opposed it.

“As a Senior Adviser to the FIFA President, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro said.

“Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. It is a bad deal for FIFA’s Member Associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game.”

Cordeiro’s resignation comes amid reports that Infantino is losing support from members of his inner circle as resistance to the proposal continues to grow.

The FIFA President’s investment plan has already faced strong opposition from football confederations. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) recently rejected the proposal, citing concerns over governance, transparency and due process.

The development also follows reports that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, should the governing body proceed with the plan.

The proposed sale of a stake in the World Cup has become one of the most contentious issues facing FIFA, with critics arguing that the tournament’s commercial rights should remain under the control of its member associations rather than private investors.

Cordeiro’s resignation is expected to intensify pressure on Infantino as opposition to the proposal continues to mount across world football.