British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, describing him as the “wrong man” to lead world football over the governing body’s controversial proposal to allow private investors to buy stakes in its competitions.
Burnham made the remarks on Friday as opposition continued to grow against FIFA’s plan to sell interests in the commercial operations of major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the proposal, the UK Prime Minister described the idea as unacceptable and questioned Infantino’s leadership.
“The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, that (Infantino) is the wrong man to lead the organisation,” Burnham said.
He also labelled the proposal “an outrageous suggestion,” insisting that football should remain in the hands of fans rather than investors.
Earlier in the week, Burnham had publicly voiced his opposition on social media, stressing that the sport belongs to ordinary supporters who have sustained it for generations.
“Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine,” he wrote.
The proposal has sparked widespread criticism from football stakeholders across the world, with many warning that private ownership of the sport’s biggest competitions could threaten football’s long-term identity and independence.
Source: AFP
