British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling him “the wrong man” to lead the organization amid growing controversy over plans to sell stakes in major tournaments to private investors. Burnham’s comments come after FIFA announced its intention to create a new entity to manage events like the World Cup, sparking backlash from various stakeholders (nst.com.my).
The proposal, which would value the new entity at around $20 billion, has drawn criticism from football federations and political figures. The AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF have all opposed the plan, while Infantino’s senior advisor has resigned in protest. This move has intensified scrutiny over FIFA’s financial strategy and governance (gbnews.com).
Burnham’s criticism highlights concerns over transparency and leadership, as the plan has been described as “controversial” by multiple sources. The UK government’s stance reflects broader international skepticism about FIFA’s direction under Infantino’s leadership (punchng.com).
