Infantino's problems mount as Wenger and key FIFA ally turn on him

FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced mounting criticism on Tuesday as both former allies and external observers voiced their opposition to his previously abandoned proposal for opening the World Cup to private investment. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who served as FIFA's chief of global football development since 2019, declared that the decision to abandon the project was "absolutely necessary and beyond question."

Additionally, secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom issued an internal email to FIFA staff, distancing himself from Infantino regarding the affair, describing the situation as "a sad and reproachable series of events."

Previously considered close to Infantino, Grafstrom added that "Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue." FIFA's plan to generate up to $4.2 billion from a $20 billion valuation of a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), collapsed after widespread condemnation. UEFA threatened legal action against Infantino, accusing him of engaging in a "shabby, backroom, opaque deal."

Infantino has been under intense scrutiny for his leadership style, with his previously smooth path to re-election for a fourth and final term now threatened. Several UEFA member associations, including Wales, Finland, Sweden, and Serbia, withdrew their support for Infantino, and the English FA is reportedly close to joining them.

Jordanian FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein accused FIFA of "blackmail," citing unpaid debts from Jordan's participation in the FIFA Arab Cup final and denied visas for its fans attending the World Cup debut in the United States.

Despite the mounting pressure, Infantino received support from 2030 World Cup co-hosts Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon. However, critical remarks from Wenger and Grafstrom, who shadowed Infantino throughout the World Cup, further tarnished his reputation. One of Infantino's special advisors, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned on Friday, adding to the pressure on the FIFA president.