politics
Infantino’s World Cup sell-off debacle has rocked football but Fifa’s crisis has deep and rotten roots
It has been a remarkable few days for an institution that may be irredeemable but this is a story that stretches back to a decision in 2010
TL;DR
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell World Cup revenues has caused a major crisis, threatening his presidency.
- The current scandal has roots in the 2010 decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, which led to corruption investigations.
- Key figures in FIFA's past corruption issues include Chuck Blazer and Michel Platini, whose actions and investigations impacted leadership changes.
- Infantino's tenure has been characterized by efforts to consolidate power, bypass oversight, and allegations of cronyism.
- UEFA's strong opposition and threat of boycott have put significant pressure on Infantino, potentially jeopardizing the World Cup plan.
- Despite the crisis, Infantino is attempting to rally support and accelerate plans for World Cup expansion.
- The article suggests that FIFA's institutional corruption is deep-seated and potentially irredeemable.