Carlos Cordeiro has stepped down as a senior adviser to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, opposing the proposed sale of an interest in the World Cup’s commercial business. The former United States Soccer Federation president called the plan harmful to football.
Quick facts
- Cordeiro announced his resignation on Friday.
- He said he had no role in developing the proposal.
- FIFA Forward Enterprise would manage commercial activity around the World Cup and other major competitions.
- FIFA has 211 member associations.
- UEFA’s 55 associations have threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments.
Cordeiro said he could not remain in his advisory position while FIFA considered bringing private investment into its leading tournament. He added that, as a former banker and lifelong football supporter, he opposed the proposal without reservation.
He argued that the arrangement would disadvantage FIFA’s member associations, damage the wider sport and create risks for football’s long-term future. Cordeiro also stressed that he had not been involved in drawing up the plan.
The resignation is a major blow to Infantino as resistance grows to FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE. The planned commercial subsidiary would be responsible for the World Cup and other flagship competitions.
FIFA says FFE would help generate more commercial income for its 211 member associations. The governing body has insisted that no one is “selling football” and that proposed visa-style administrative changes would not alter how the sport is governed.
Only hours before Cordeiro’s announcement, FIFA had repeated its pledge to conduct what it called an open and democratic consultation on the initiative. That assurance came as opposition to the plan continued to spread.
Several leading football organisations have already objected. UEFA’s 55 national associations have warned they could stay out of FIFA competitions if the proposal is approved, while CONCACAF has rejected it and the Asian Football Confederation has criticised what it sees as insufficient consultation.
Cordeiro’s departure increases the pressure on FIFA as it attempts to advance the reform. Stakeholders around the game are warning that the plan could have lasting effects on football’s structure and independence.
