Not only football fans, but also various football organizations, including UEFA which governs European football, have risen against FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s project.
It proposes that FIFA members privatize the most important football competitions – the World Cup, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup, allowing private investors and promising higher revenues to federations.
After the storm broke out, FIFA suspended its project, but UEFA demands an investigation into G. Infantino’s actions, and some football personalities want the FIFA boss to resign.
Now “Sky News,” having spoken with FIFA employees, has published an internal letter from FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom.
Working at FIFA for 10 years and holding the position of Secretary General since 2024, the Swede, considered G. Infantino’s right hand, writes in the letter to employees that “the course of events is sad and disappointing.”
“We have all been thrown into chaos that is difficult to understand and accept. But as Secretary General, I urge you to continue working, focusing on what has always united us: serving football and our 211 member associations, working together with all stakeholders, and fully adhering to FIFA statutes and regulations,” writes M. Grafstrom.
He promised employees that they would be protected from the political currents that have recently shaken the organization.
“Individuals, turbulent periods, and ungrateful moments come and go. The institution’s mission and responsibilities to world football remain. So we must stay calm,” the Swede is quoted in the letter, which was also shared by France’s “RMC Sport.”
Some football associations of certain countries have already stated that they will not support G. Infantino in the new FIFA presidential elections to be held in Morocco in 2027.
