Infantino's World Cup Legacy in Tatters as Backlash Continues

Fifa president Gianni Infantino's reputation has taken a severe hit following a secret £3.1bn plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The Guardian reports that Infantino's administration has faced intense criticism from politicians, football figures, and governing bodies, with many calling for his resignation.

The Guardian Exposes the Plan

The Times initially broke the story on 28 July, revealing Infantino's secret plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The deal involved the brother of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and was met with widespread outrage. The Guardian later exposed the full details of the plan, drawn up by Fifa and the US bank JP Morgan, which called Fifa "undermonetized".

Uefa Leads the Backlash

Uefa, the governing body of European football, was quick to condemn the plan, accusing Fifa officials of "using our sport to enrich themselves and their friends". The organisation held an emergency meeting, with all 55 members agreeing to boycott Fifa competitions if the plan went ahead. Other football bodies, including the global players' union, Fifpro, joined the backlash, calling for reforms and not a cover-up.

Infantino's Response

Infantino initially tried to cool the mood, admitting the scheme was real but saying it was also just a "proposal, an offer … part of a democratic process, a consultation". However, as the backlash continued, he was forced to withdraw the plan on 1 August. Despite this, Uefa still upped the pressure on him, saying the Fifa leadership had "lost our confidence".

Allies and Critics

While some countries, including Mexico and Argentina, rallied around Infantino, others, including Norway, called for him to go. Infantino's visit to Colombia for the inauguration of the hard-right president Abelardo de la Espriella, a key Trump ally, was seen as an attempt to salvage his reputation. However, the damage may already be done, with many questioning his leadership and integrity.

The Future of Fifa

The fallout from the World Cup scandal has left the future of Fifa uncertain. With Infantino's reputation in tatters, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to recover and continue as president. The coordinated withdrawal of support from key countries and governing bodies has put pressure on him to resign. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the legacy of the World Cup has been severely damaged.