Canadian Prime Minister Says He No Longer Trusts FIFA President Infantino
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Prime Minister Justin Carney said he lacks confidence in FIFA chief Gianni Infantino after the latter withdrew a plan to commercialise World Cup rights, adding to mounting criticism of the soccer body’s governance.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Carney told reporters on Wednesday that he no longer has confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Carney said Infantino made a “fatal” governance mistake by failing to consult senior advisers, including FIFA’s chief operating officer and board members, before proposing a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors such as the Kushner family.
The proposal, which would have allowed investors to acquire stakes in the tournament, was abandoned after strong opposition from UEFA, national federations and other senior FIFA officials. UEFA’s 55 member associations had threatened to boycott the 2026 World Cup and other FIFA events if the plan proceeded, and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and the Asian Football Confederation also voiced dissent.
Carney, whose country is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico, appeared with Infantino at several tournament events before the plan was dropped. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently called Infantino “the wrong man to lead” world soccer.
FIFA has not responded to requests for comment. The organization’s next presidential election is set for March in Rabat, Morocco, with candidates required to file by Nov. 18.