Sports
CONCACAF calls for 'comprehensive reckoning with' Infantino's FIFA leadership
"This recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour," CONCACAF said in a statement."A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said FIFA was scrapping a plan to allow private investment in flagship events after fierce backlash from football officials worldwide. (AFP)
By: AFP ., Journalist @New Vision
MIAMI - North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF on Saturday called for a "comprehensive reckoning with" Gianni Infantino's leadership of FIFA after he aborted plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.
"This recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour," CONCACAF said in a statement.
"A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative."
Last week, world governing body FIFA had announced plans to create a commercial subsidiary which would run its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
This body would be open to minority private investment, under a plan Infantino said would "turbocharge the development of the game globally" by raising up to $4.2 billion.
On Friday, facing a fierce global backlash, Infantino said the plan would not proceed.
Last week, world governing body FIFA had announced plans to create a commercial subsidiary which would run its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
This body would be open to minority private investment, under a plan Infantino said would "turbocharge the development of the game globally" by raising up to $4.2 billion.
On Friday, facing a fierce global backlash, Infantino said the plan would not proceed.
CONCACAF, which includes all three co-hosts of the recently concluded 2026 World Cup -- the United States, Canada and Mexico -- as well as Caribbean associations, on Saturday welcomed the decision to scrap FIFA's divisive plan.
It joined European organization UEFA in criticizing Infantino's actions and expressing doubt over his suitability to continue in the role.
"This concern is not CONCACAF's alone. It is shared across many confederations, Member Associations and those who serve and love the game," said the statement.
It added: "A proposal of this magnitude does not reach that stage by accident. It is a symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first."
It joined European organization UEFA in criticizing Infantino's actions and expressing doubt over his suitability to continue in the role.
"This concern is not CONCACAF's alone. It is shared across many confederations, Member Associations and those who serve and love the game," said the statement.
It added: "A proposal of this magnitude does not reach that stage by accident. It is a symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first."