FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure after Arsene Wenger, Chief of Global Football Development, stated he was unaware of plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. The situation escalated when FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, the organization's second-highest-ranking official, publicly condemned the project as "reproachable."
Infantino was compelled to withdraw the proposal, which aimed to raise private investment for the commercial and operational aspects of FIFA tournaments, following a significant backlash. Wenger, who has held his development role since 2019, asserted that he learned about the plan through media reports and was not involved in its strategic development. "The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity," Wenger stated.
Grafstrom, who has been rumored as a potential successor to Infantino, addressed FIFA staff in a private memo, labeling the events surrounding the proposal as "sad and reproachable." He urged colleagues to remain focused on serving football and the 211 member associations, assuring them they would be shielded from the "political context." "Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue," Grafstrom wrote, emphasizing professionalism and composure.
The controversy has led to calls for change at the top of FIFA. UEFA and Concacaf, the confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean, have both requested a shift in leadership. England and Wales have publicly withdrawn their support for Infantino, who is scheduled for re-election in March, with Scotland reportedly adopting a similar stance. The public criticism from Grafstrom and the distancing of Wenger, a prominent figure within FIFA, signal significant internal dissent.
This is not the first instance of internal criticism. Grafstrom's memo follows the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro and criticism from chief operating officer Kevin Lamour regarding the same World Cup stake sale plans. The withdrawn project has cast a shadow over Infantino's leadership as he prepares for an upcoming re-election bid.