UK Prime Minister Urges Infantino to Step Down Amid Controversy Over FIFA World Cup Equity Plan
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is calling for Gianni Infantino to step down as opposition to FIFA’s World Cup equity plan grows stronger.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down following his contentious proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to a private equity group.
Burnham’s remarks arise as Infantino encounters increasing resistance from various corners of global football. UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have all turned down the proposal, while UEFA’s 55 member associations have decided to boycott FIFA competitions for as long as the plan is being considered.
If the boycott is enforced, leading football nations such as England, Germany, France, and reigning world champions Spain would abstain from participating in both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup as long as the proposal is active.
Speaking on Friday, Burnham characterized the plan as “an outrageous suggestion” and raised concerns about Infantino’s leadership in world football.
“My perspective is becoming more robust; this was an absurd proposal,” Burnham stated. “The notion that it could even be proposed, in my opinion, indicates that the FIFA president is not the right person to guide the organisation.”
The Labour leader, who assumed the role of UK prime minister just over two weeks ago, is the first leader of a major nation to openly demand Infantino’s resignation regarding the proposal.
Burnham, a lifelong Everton supporter, had previously expressed his disapproval of the plan on social media, asserting that football is meant for supporters, not investors.
His intervention comes after the resignation of senior FIFA adviser and former US Soccer president, Carlos Cordeiro, who stepped down in protest, stating that he could not support any initiative to sell a stake in the World Cup and had no part in the proposal.
