Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, citing the president's controversial plans to introduce private investment into the World Cup.
Burnham, who is an Everton fan, stated that Infantino is no longer fit to lead world football, particularly in light of proposals to generate £3.1 billion in private investment for the World Cup. This move has already prompted UEFA to announce a boycott of FIFA competitions, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf also opposing the plans. The AFC has further urged FIFA to conduct an urgent review of its leadership.
Speaking to reporters in Sheffield, Burnham described the proposal as an "outrageous suggestion." He added, "The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, that the Fifa president is the wrong man to lead the organisation."
Concacaf nations are reportedly losing faith in Infantino, and a significant number of FIFA's 211 member nations have voiced opposition. Currently, 135 nations are against Infantino's plans, meaning he lacks the required 106 votes to approve such changes to FIFA's statutes.
Discontented member nations could potentially convene an emergency FIFA congress to initiate a vote of no confidence if Infantino proceeds with the plans or attempts to remain in his leadership role. Only 20% of FIFA members are needed to trigger such a vote, a threshold that could be met by the combined membership of UEFA or CONCACAF's 46 FIFA-registered nations.
Sources indicate that Norway has proposed convening an emergency congress, and UEFA nations are reportedly considering all available options.