US World Cup host cities seek millions in unpaid FIFA funding: report
Several US cities that staged World Cup matches are pressing FIFA for millions of dollars they say were promised to support football infrastructure and community projects, according to an Atheltic report that adds to growing scrutiny of the governing body under president Gianni Infantino.
David Gallop, a prominent Australian sports administrator, has dismissed FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial World Cup privatization proposal as "gone down like a lead balloon." The plan, dubbed FIFA Forward Enterprise, would have transferred the commercial rights of FIFA's most popular tournaments, including the World Cup, to a private company with a 20% stake sold to investors.
Gallop, who previously served as CEO of the NRL and Football Federation Australia, described the proposal as poorly received, likening it to a "stink bomb" in a pub. He stated that the proposal lacked a compelling reason and questioned FIFA's financial desperation. Despite the backlash, FIFA ultimately abandoned the plan within three days.
The proposal had faced opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, as well as several national federations. Gallop, who had previously represented Australia at FIFA congresses, noted that the proposal tarnished Infantino's reputation, particularly given his promises of transparency and accountability. FIFA's financial position, however, raised questions about the necessity of the proposal.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Soccer-Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues al-monitor.com
- FIFA apologises but backs Infantino after World Cup sell-off controversy timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Gianni Infantino is facing a FIFA crisis after new allegations and World Cup controversy sbnation.com
- Embattled FIFA head Infantino holds emergency talks amid calls to step down france24.com
- FIFA pledges 'full support' for Infantino and apologises for sell-off plan abc.net.au
