Gianni Infantino is rapidly losing the support of his closest FIFA allies.
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has ripped Gianni Infantino to shreds in a leaked message to staff after the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup was abandoned. Infantino’s proposal sparked outrage from all corners of the football world, forcing him into a dramatic U-turn. UEFA nations threatened to boycott the tournament unless the plan was reversed, with several other confederations also voicing their disapproval.
Infantino also lost the support of his right-hand man, Carlos Cordeiro, who branded it “a bad deal for football” and resigned in protest. Over the weekend, the penny finally dropped for the 56-year-old, who announced that he would be scrapping the plans. Now, a leaked internal memo has emerged in which Grafstrom described the saga as “a sad and reproachable series of events”.
Grafstrom, who runs the administration, was brought across from UEFA when Infantino rose to the FIFA presidency 10 years ago.
In the memo obtained by Sky News, he wrote: “A sad and reproachable series of events – which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned – for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality.
“We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 Member Associations, hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with the FIFA Statutes and FIFA Regulations.
“I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.
“Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure.”
Mattias Grafstrom described it as “a sad and reproachable series of events” (Image: Getty)
Grafstrom also thanked FIFA staff for “your commitment, your resilience and your dedication to football” in the midst of the crisis.
He added: “I also want you to know that my door remains open for you, and I will continue to support our teams, our work and our mission every hour of every day for as long as my work is valued by those we serve.”
It comes after it emerged that the Football Association (FA) were preparing to withdraw their support for Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president ahead of next year’s vote.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) went a step further on Monday by issuing a public statement to that effect.
They said: “The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football. Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”