On Friday, two high-ranking FIFA officials spoke out against Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup, leading one to resign as a presidential adviser and the other to assert that staff had been misled about the project’s intentions.
Carlos Cordeiro, who had been representing FIFA on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, stepped down in protest against the proposed private equity initiative.
“I cannot remain silent as FIFA considers selling a portion of the World Cup,” stated Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker, in his resignation as adviser to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, urging his fellow senior FIFA officials to voice their concerns.
FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, also criticized the plan, claiming in a statement to The Associated Press that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of transparency regarding the private investor proposal, adding that they “deserve better than contempt and intimidation.”
“This project is driven by one individual,” Lamour, a long-time associate of Infantino at both FIFA and UEFA, wrote. “Not only must this project be halted, but it’s time for football’s political leaders to reflect on the right questions and make sound decisions.”
Although Lamour chose not to resign from his position, which he has held since 2024, he expressed a strong commitment to his colleagues.
“If that results in me losing my job, then so be it,” said the French official. “I would accept and respect that decision. At least I will sleep well tonight.”
Cordeiro often accompanied Infantino on trips to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in recent years.
“Let me be clear. I had no role in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” said Cordeiro, the former U.S. Soccer Federation president, labeling the $20 billion plan for a commercial subsidiary as “a bad deal for football.”
“Football has been a central part of my life, and with over 35 years in banking, I understand the importance of this asset and the implications of relinquishing part of it,” he remarked. “That is why this proposal deserves to be rejected.”
Infantino has suggested creating a $20 billion subsidiary for FIFA’s commercial operations—including World Cups and Club World Cups for men and women—with 20% owned by private investors.
The identified “anchor investor” is a New York-based investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
When asked at Camp David on Friday if he had discussed the proposal with Infantino, Trump replied to reporters: “No, I never spoke to him.”
Cordeiro pointed out that FIFA already has substantial financial resources, with billions in reserves and no debt. Additionally, FIFA generated $15 billion in revenue tied to the recently concluded men’s World Cup.
“Given that context, selling a permanent stake in the world’s most valuable football asset for $4.2 billion lacks justification. It jeopardizes football’s future without any compelling reason,” he stated.
Cordeiro reflected on his five years working with Infantino at FIFA alongside “dedicated, principled individuals who genuinely care about the sport.”
“I hope they, too, will step forward,” he added, “because decisions of this significance should prioritize football over the interests of those set to profit from it.”
Infantino has been FIFA’s president for over a decade and appeared poised for another unopposed re-election next March, with FIFA announcing a deadline of November 18 for potential challengers.
Cordeiro resigned as the president of U.S. Soccer back in 2020 amid pressure related to court documents in the equal pay lawsuit filed by the U.S. women’s national team.