Infantino Planned £22M Salary Amid FIFA Controversy as Stake Sale Faces Backlash

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has faced significant backlash following controversial proposals regarding the World Cup and plans to sell commercial stakes in premier football competitions. The uproar centers around the proposed Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme, which aimed to secure Infantino a staggering £22.2 million salary. This proposal has drawn widespread criticism from various football governing bodies, including UEFA and the English Football Association (FA), leading to threats of boycotts from member associations.

Controversial Plans and Immediate Reactions

The FFE scheme was intended to enhance FIFA’s financial standing by allowing private investors to purchase stakes in the World Cup. However, this initiative has been met with vehement opposition. UEFA and the FA have condemned the idea, asserting that it undermines the integrity of the tournament. Member associations have expressed their intent to boycott the World Cup altogether if these plans proceed.

Reports indicate that Infantino could have earned tens of millions through the FFE scheme, which has since been abandoned due to the backlash. UEFA has publicly stated that confidence in Infantino has eroded as a result of these developments.

UEFA’s Official Statement

In a statement, UEFA emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game.” The organization has announced plans to collaborate with its associations and other confederations to investigate how such proposals were developed and to ensure that similar situations do not arise in the future.

UEFA further indicated that “no option should be off the table” regarding the current FIFA leadership, which has lost not only UEFA’s confidence but also that of many within the broader football community.

Support from the English FA and CONCACAF

The English FA has echoed UEFA’s concerns, calling for a comprehensive review of FIFA’s leadership and governance. A spokesperson stated, “It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations.”

CONCACAF has also weighed in, advocating for a “comprehensive reckoning” of Infantino’s presidency. They criticized the recent actions as indicative of leadership that has failed to prioritize football, describing the situation as a pattern of poor governance.

Infantino’s Defense and Future Intentions

Despite the uproar, Infantino has defended the FFE project, claiming it was intended to strengthen FIFA member associations and support football development globally. He stated that the proposal would only proceed with the backing of a majority of member associations and after a thorough consultation process.

In light of the backlash, Infantino has expressed his intent to unite all interested parties in the coming days and weeks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting football, especially in regions that require support.

For further details on this developing story, refer to the original reporting source. Source: www.mirror.co.uk.

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Published on 2026-08-02 12:37:00 • By the Editorial Desk