FIFA exec on White House World Cup panel resigns to protest Infantino plan

Carlos Cordeiro, a senior FIFA adviser and former president of U.S. Soccer, has stepped down from his role on the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup, protesting a new private equity plan. Cordeiro publicly expressed his discontent on Friday, stating, “I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup.”

Having previously worked closely with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Cordeiro highlighted his opposition to the proposed $20 billion commercial subsidiary, which aims to sell a 20% stake to private investors. His resignation comes as he urges other FIFA leaders to join him in voicing their concerns.

“Let me be clear. I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” he said, referring to the financial plan that he deemed detrimental to the sport. Cordeiro emphasized the importance of preserving football’s integrity, stating, “This proposal should be rejected.”

Infantino’s plan involves creating a subsidiary that would manage FIFA’s commercial activities, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. The “anchor investor” in this initiative is reported to be a New York-based investment firm linked to Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner.

Despite the plan, Cordeiro argued that FIFA is already in a strong financial position, with reserves in the billions and no outstanding debt. “FIFA has generated $15 billion in revenue over the last four years tied to the men’s World Cup,” he noted.

Cordeiro cautioned that selling a permanent stake in such a valuable asset for $4.2 billion could jeopardize football’s future without necessary justification. He hopes that other FIFA officials will also voice their opinions, stressing the need for decisions to serve the sport rather than private interests.

For more than a decade, Infantino has held the FIFA presidency, with a reelection scheduled for next March. FIFA has set a deadline of November 18 for potential challengers.

Cordeiro’s exit from U.S. Soccer in 2020 was also marked by controversy, arising from pressures related to legal filings in the equal pay lawsuit involving the U.S. women’s national team.