Pressure is mounting on FIFA President Gianni Infantino over reports that the governing body is considering selling a stake in the FIFA World Cup, with senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigning in protest and major football confederations reportedly opposing the proposal.
Cordeiro announced his resignation with immediate effect, saying he could not support a plan that he believes would undermine the long-term interests of global football.
His departure represents the most significant public dissent from within FIFA’s leadership circle since reports of the proposed transaction emerged.
“As a Senior Advisor to the FIFA President, a former banker, and a lifelong football enthusiast, I cannot remain silent while FIFA contemplates selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro said.
“I had no part in this proposal, and I oppose it without reservation.”
The controversy has intensified amid reports that UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal moves forward, while CONCACAF has also rejected the plan on behalf of its 41 member associations.
The reported proposal has triggered broader concerns about the commercialisation of football’s most valuable global tournament and the potential involvement of outside investors in the future revenues of the World Cup.
FIFA has sought to downplay the controversy, insisting that “nobody is selling football.”
However, Cordeiro questioned both the financial rationale and governance surrounding the reported plan, arguing that FIFA has no need to sell a stake in its flagship competition.
He pointed to the organisation’s strong financial position, noting that FIFA holds billions of dollars in reserves, has no debt, and is projected to generate about US$15 billion in revenue between 2022 and 2026.
“If Member Associations feel that further investment is necessary for the development of the game, FIFA currently possesses the financial means to offer that assistance from its existing resources,” he said.
“In this context, divesting a permanent stake in football’s most valuable asset appears illogical.”
Cordeiro also criticised what he described as a lack of transparency surrounding the proposal, raising questions about oversight, governance arrangements, investor benefits and whether a competitive bidding process had been conducted.
He said the issue had become a defining moment for FIFA and ultimately made his position untenable.
“This proposal has emerged as a pivotal issue for FIFA’s future. After thorough reflection, I can no longer fulfill my duties as Senior Advisor to the FIFA President,” he said.
The former adviser urged FIFA to prioritise the integrity of the sport over commercial considerations, arguing that the governing body’s primary responsibility is to protect football for future generations rather than maximise financial returns.
The reported proposal remains under scrutiny, with resistance from key football stakeholders threatening to turn the issue into one of the most significant governance disputes FIFA has faced in recent years.
