FIFA has sacked one of its most senior executives after he criticised President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors, Sky News understands.
Key facts
- FIFA has dismissed one of its most senior figures, according to Sky News.
- The executive had criticised Gianni Infantino's plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors.
- The report is based on what Sky News understands rather than an official FIFA statement.
Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has sacked one of its most senior figures after he criticised Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors, Sky News understands.
According to the report, the dismissal followed the executive’s objections to a proposal that would see part of the World Cup sold to investors, a plan associated with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Sky News frames the development as something it understands to have taken place, indicating the information comes from its sources rather than a formal public announcement by FIFA.
The report does not name the executive involved, nor does it set out the full details of the investor plan or the timeline surrounding the dismissal.
The episode centres on a disagreement at the top of world football’s governing body over the commercial direction of its flagship tournament, the World Cup.
Why it matters
The World Cup is football's most valuable and widely watched event, so any plan to sell part of it to investors touches the sport's finances and governance. A senior sacking over such criticism raises questions about dissent and decision-making at the top of FIFA.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the FIFA executive sacked?
According to Sky News, the senior figure was dismissed after criticising Gianni Infantino's plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors.
Who confirmed the sacking?
The report is based on what Sky News understands, rather than an official public statement from FIFA.
What was the plan the executive criticised?
The sources describe it as Gianni Infantino's plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors, but no further details of the proposal are provided.