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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described Gianni Infantino as the wrong person to head FIFA after widespread criticism over proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup through private equity. Burnham criticised the contentious commercial plans after senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and major regional confederations came together in opposition to the governing body's proposal.

Burnham condemns Infantino leadership

Burnham has delivered a sharp criticism of Infantino’s stewardship of FIFA amid a growing backlash against plans to commercialise the organisation. The opposition has gathered momentum after the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro and formal resistance from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), UEFA, and CONCACAF. Burnham said Infantino’s move to sell a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors is a deeply misguided step for the future of world football.

Prime Minister demands change

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Burnham strongly criticised the proposed private equity model. He said: "This was an outrageous suggestion," before casting doubt on Infantino's fitness to continue as FIFA president: "The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation."

Private equity blueprint rejected

Burnham's strong remarks mirror wider global opposition, including a firm position adopted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

In an official statement, the AFC rejected plans to create the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) commercial subsidiary and underlined the importance of protecting the integrity of football's biggest tournament: "The Fifa World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations.

"Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."

Infantino faces mounting pressure

Falling political backing and the prospect of opposition from a majority of confederation votes have left FIFA’s commercialisation plans on the verge of collapse. With an opposing bloc made up of 136 member associations, Infantino is facing a real leadership crisis before any formal decision is taken.

FIFA must now urgently carry out a full review of its governance structure and decision-making processes to repair widening global divisions.