FIFA shaken by major upheaval: Infantino's right-hand man steps down

The debate over the football commercialization initiative continues to intensify amid significant internal changes at FIFA. Carlos Cordeiro, a key confidant of President Gianni Infantino, resigned following his opposition to a World Cup-related proposal.

FIFA's plan to sell equity stakes in its World Cup tournaments is facing a more severe crisis than anticipated. According to international media, Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to President Gianni Infantino, has officially resigned after publicly opposing the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project—a move seen as a major blow to the leadership of the world's most powerful football governing body.

The FFE is an initiative developed by FIFA to allow private investment funds to acquire controlling stakes in the tournaments it operates. The project is intended to generate massive revenue for FIFA, but it has sparked controversy from its inception. Notably, the plan was developed behind closed doors, and President Gianni Infantino is accused of trying to fast-track its approval. Opposition from member associations and Carlos Cordeiro's resignation are putting unprecedented pressure on FIFA.

According to reports published by international media, UEFA and all 55 of its member associations have united in a firm stance, ready to boycott future FIFA tournaments if the plan is approved. Not only Europe, but also the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have issued similar statements, increasing the pressure on Infantino.

In this context, Carlos Cordeiro's decision to leave his senior advisor position is seen as the most notable development. As one of the figures closest to the FIFA President, Cordeiro simultaneously issued a shocking statement, asserting that he had no involvement in the formation of the FFE project and had opposed it from the very beginning.

He wrote: "As a Senior Advisor to the FIFA President, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand by and watch FIFA consider selling shares of the World Cup."

Cordeiro further emphasized his stance with a firm statement: "I want to make it clear: I was not involved in this proposal and I completely oppose it. This is a bad deal for FIFA's member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the sport."

The departure of a senior advisor who publicly criticized FIFA amid the escalating controversy is seen by international media as a sign that divisions have reached the organization's leadership. As more and more associations oppose the FFE plan, the future of the World Cup commercialization proposal, as well as Gianni Infantino's position, faces greater challenges than ever before.