FIFA officials criticize Infantino's scrapped World Cup stake sale plan

Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, is facing renewed criticism after two senior officials – secretary‑general Mattias Grafström and chief of global football development Arsène Wenger – publicly denounced his abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup. The plan, which had been floated earlier this year as a means to generate additional revenue for the sport, was subsequently scrapped amid concerns about its impact on the tournament’s integrity and commercial independence. Grafström and Wenger’s remarks have revived debate within the governing body over the president’s strategic direction and governance style.

The backlash arrives at a time when Infantino, who had been expected to run unopposed, may encounter fresh challenges in his bid for a fourth term at the FIFA congress scheduled for March. Critics argue that the failed stake‑sale episode underscores broader governance issues and could embolden potential rivals. As the election approaches, the controversy may influence member associations’ assessments of Infantino’s leadership, adding uncertainty to what had been presumed a straightforward re‑election. (Story by Laurent Berstecher)