UEFA Boss, Others Accuse Infantino Of Breaking Trust ‘Through Deception’

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been accused of breaking the trust of football’s governing bodies “through deception” following the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

The accusation was contained in an open letter jointly issued by UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, with the presidents and general secretaries of the three confederations signing the statement.

Although Infantino was not named directly in the letter, the criticism represents a significant escalation in the dispute between FIFA and several of its continental confederations.

The controversy centres on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would have created a new commercial company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

Under the proposal, a 21 per cent stake in the company would have been sold to a private investment firm.

The plan was withdrawn following widespread opposition from several confederations, with UEFA leading the criticism and threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions.

The three confederations said the dispute was ultimately about more than the proposed commercial structure, arguing that it concerned the integrity of football and those elected to lead the sport.

“When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned,” the letter stated.

It added: “Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it.”

According to BBC Sport, preliminary discussions have taken place between the three confederations about the possibility of establishing breakaway competitions if Infantino remains FIFA president.

Sources also indicated that the letter could be interpreted as an opportunity for Infantino to resign and leave his position with dignity.

The development comes after FIFA issued a strongly worded statement on Saturday condemning what it described as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine the organisation and Infantino.

The escalating dispute threatens to deepen divisions within world football and could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between FIFA and its six continental confederations.