UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign amid growing opposition to plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to a private equity group.
Burnham, who became Britain’s Prime Minister earlier this month, described the proposal as an “outrageous suggestion” as pressure continues to mount on Infantino following criticism from football’s continental governing bodies.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have all rejected the proposal, while UEFA’s 55 member associations have agreed to boycott FIFA competitions for as long as the plans remain active.
That would see major footballing nations including England, Germany, France and reigning world champions Spain refuse to compete in both the men’s and women’s World Cups unless the proposal is withdrawn.
Burnham speaks out
Speaking on Friday, Burnham became the first leader of a major nation to publicly call for Infantino to step down.
“My view is strengthening – this was an outrageous suggestion,” Burnham said.
“The idea that it could even be brought forward, in my view, shows that the FIFA president is the wrong man to lead the organisation.”
The Labour leader had already criticised the proposal earlier this week, insisting football should never be treated as a commercial asset.
“Let me say this very directly. Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine,” Burnham wrote on social media.
“The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.
“Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”
