Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly declared that he has “no confidence” in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, intensifying a growing international backlash over the governing body’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.
Speaking on Wednesday, Carney said Infantino’s failure to disclose and properly consult FIFA’s leadership on the proposal represented a fundamental breakdown in governance.
“This is not how you run any business, a small business, let alone something that is a global responsibility like football.”
Carney added that withholding such a significant proposal from senior FIFA decision-makers “should be fatal” to confidence in any leader.
What sparked the controversy?
The dispute centers on a FIFA proposal to create a new commercial entity and sell 20% of its World Cup-related commercial rights to private investors in a deal reportedly valued at about $4.2 billion. According to Reuters and AP, many FIFA Council members and regional confederations said they were not adequately consulted before the proposal was advanced.
The proposal was withdrawn on July 31 after fierce resistance from UEFA, CONCACAF, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and numerous national football associations
Opponents argued that the process lacked transparency and threatened FIFA’s governance standards.
Internal pressure on Infantino grows
The fallout has extended beyond public criticism.According to Reuter, senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom was among senior officials who criticized how the proposal was handled.
Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour also reportedly voiced concerns internally.
Infantino has since held crisis meetings in Morocco as pressure mounts ahead of FIFA’s 2027 presidential election.
Political implications
Carney’s remarks are particularly significant because Canada was one of the three co-hosts of the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.
Reuters reports that Carney praised CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, describing his leadership positively, prompting speculation that the Canadian football executive could emerge as a potential challenger if Infantino seeks another term in 2027. No formal candidacy has been announced.
Wider opposition
Carney is not alone in questioning Infantino’s leadership. Recent developments include UEFA and CONCACAF stating they have lost confidence in FIFA’s leadership over the handling of the proposal. Also, England and Wales moving to withdraw support for Infantino’s expected re-election campaign.
After withdrawing the proposal, Infantino acknowledged that the plan had become divisive and said FIFA would not proceed, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to unity and football development. However, Reuters reports that the controversy has evolved into a broader debate over governance, transparency and accountability within world football’s governing body.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he has “no confidence” in FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Carney says failing to disclose the World Cup commercial rights proposal to senior FIFA officials “should be fatal” to confidence in leadership.
FIFA withdrew the proposed $4.2 billion stake sale on July 31 after opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC and other football bodies.
The controversy has triggered resignations, internal criticism and growing uncertainty over Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president in 2027.