Internal FIFA dissent grows against President Gianni Infantino over aborted private investment project

Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Director of Global Football Development since 2019, stated that the decision to withdraw the project was "absolutely necessary and incontestable." Wenger, who also serves as a technical advisor to Ifab, emphasized his belief in an independent FIFA operating with commitment, transparency, and integrity, adding that he learned about the project from the press and was not involved in its development. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, in an email to staff, described the events surrounding the project as "sad and reprehensible" but welcomed its permanent abandonment, noting that "individuals, moments of instability, and unfortunate episodes pass," while the institution's mission endures.

Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior advisor and a former investment banker, resigned, stating his categorical opposition to the project, believing it was detrimental to the long-term future of the sport. The project, which Infantino championed to "unlock the commercial potential" of football, was withdrawn after significant opposition from various football stakeholders, including the European confederation UEFA and Concacaf. Concacaf has called for a "complete overhaul" of the FIFA President's governance, while UEFA