FIFA Crisis Deepens as Cordeiro Resigns Over Stake Sale

Carlos Cordeiro, Senior Adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, resigned on Friday in protest against Infantino's proposal to sell a minority stake in the FIFA World Cup's commercial rights through FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Cordeiro stated he could not support a plan that would allow private investors to acquire ownership in football's premier tournament.

He emphasized that FIFA is financially robust, having generated approximately $15 billion in revenue from 2022 to 2026, with substantial reserves and no debt, making the sale unnecessary. Cordeiro's resignation represents significant internal opposition to the proposal, which has faced resistance from continental governing bodies, including UEFA, which declared unanimous opposition from its 55 member associations.

UEFA warned that private ownership could alter the governance of international football and criticized FIFA for a lack of transparency in developing the proposal. Concerns have also been raised by CONCACAF and the AFC, increasing pressure on FIFA to reconsider its plans.