Lethal blow to Infantino
Head of football Arsene Wenger and secretary general Mattias Grafstrom disapprove of his plans and widen the internal rift at FIFA.
FIFA is facing turbulent times after Gianni Infantino’s plan to commercially sell 20% of the World Cup and its other competitions collapsed under pressure from several confederations, particularly UEFA. The latest critics of the proposal are two of FIFA’s most influential figures, exposing deepening internal divisions: Arsène Wenger, head of football development, and Mattias Grafström, the organisation’s secretary general.
The former Arsenal manager chose to make his position public through a statement sent to the media. “Recent events at FIFA require me to offer some clarification,” Wenger said. “At FIFA, I am head of development. Together with my team, I oversee game data analysis, FIFA’s online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies in 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions worldwide. I also serve as a technical adviser to IFAB.”
Wenger then delivered a pointed conclusion: “I did not participate in this strategic plan and learned of the project for the first time through the media. The decision to withdraw it was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our sport with commitment, transparency and integrity.”
Wenger’s intervention was followed by revelations from Sky and The Athletic of an email in which Mattias Grafström said he had also been unaware of, and did not support, Infantino’s plans. “The past week has been extraordinary and challenging for FIFA staff across all our offices worldwide. That is why I wanted you to hear from me first,” he wrote in a message sent to several federation officials.
“We have all been plunged into a chaotic situation that is difficult to understand and accept. I assure you that, as members of the administration, you will be defended and protected from the political context we are experiencing. You have no reason to worry. Individuals, periods of instability and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility to world football endure, and that is why we must always maintain our professionalism, perspective and calm.”
These statements from two of FIFA’s most senior figures add to the growing wave of criticism that has already prompted the resignation of several people previously considered close to Infantino, including financial adviser Carlos Cordeiro. FIFA’s head of operations, Kevin Lamour, has also joined the criticism, publicly stating that his team “was deceived” throughout the project.
The pressure on Infantino is mounting. With two of FIFA’s top executives now distancing themselves from the initiative, questions are increasingly being raised about both his leadership and the organisation’s future direction.
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