Andy Burnham just called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign over the World Cup sale plan. The U.K. prime minister became the first major leader to demand Infantino’s exit.
He is now demanding the resignation of a powerful federation boss over a money-driven plan that has enraged fans and officials alike. His intervention could tip an already explosive standoff even further out of control.
Andy Burnham is the first major country leader to call for Gianni Infantino to resign
Andy Burnham escalated the fight against FIFA on Friday. The U.K. prime minister called on Infantino to resign. Burnham objected to a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to a private equity group. As a result, he became the first leader of a major country to demand Infantino’s exit.
Burnham did not soften his stance. He called the proposal an “outrageous suggestion” and said his “view is strengthening.” Moreover, he argued that the plan itself disqualified Infantino from the job. “The idea that it could even be brought forward, in my view, shows that the FIFA is the wrong man to lead the organization,” Burnham said.
Earlier, Burnham had already condemned the proposals. In fact, the Everton fan took to social media on Tuesday to join a growing chorus of critics. There, he framed the issue in blunt terms. “Let me say this very directly. Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine,” Burnham said.
Then he pushed the point further. “The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.” He added, “Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino faced pressure from across the sport. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation all rejected the plans. Furthermore, all 55 UEFA member nations agreed to boycott FIFA competitions while the proposals stood. That threat sidelined major teams, including Germany, France, England and Spain. For his part, Infantino defended the plan as optional for members rather than a requirement.
The backlash also spread inside FIFA. On Friday, senior adviser and former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest. He urged other senior staff to speak out too. “I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro said.
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