FIFA president Gianni Infantino failed to calm the stormy waters surrounding his position despite on Saturday scrapping a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.
European football’s governing body UEFA had led the opposition to the plan — saying they would boycott all FIFA competitions — and while welcoming the withdrawal of the proposal said Infantino had lost their and other football family members “confidence” with his “shabby, back room, opaque deal”.
Their response came hours after Infantino, whose previous smooth path to unopposed re-election for a final term next year is being openly questioned, had issued a statement announcing the humiliating climb down after a furious backlash since the plan was first revealed on Tuesday.
“Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve,” Infantino said in a statement.
“As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”
