Prime Minister Andy Burnham has joined the growing contingent calling for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign over his plans to introduce private investment into the World Cup.
Burnham, an Everton fan, has said Infantino – who wants to generate £3.1billion in private investment in the World Cup – is no longer fit to govern world football.
It comes after UEFA announced a boycott of FIFA competitions over the plans while Concacaf and the AFC also opposed the proposals.
The AFC went as far to urge FIFA to undertake an urgent review of their leadership.
Speaking to reporters in Sheffield, Burnham said: ‘This was an outrageous suggestion.
‘The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation.’
Chancellor John Healey added: ‘I think FIFA’s plans are falling apart, and I’m dead proud that the FA and UEFA have led the charge against the idea that the World Cup is for sale.
‘The prime minister is right when he says football is for the fans. I want to see these plans put to one side and let’s concentrate on the football.’
Concacaf nations are understood to be losing faith – or have already lost confidence – in the FIFA president.
Andy Burnham has joined the growing calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign
FIFA have 211 member nations, meaning 106 signatories are required to block or approve any changes to their statutes. 135 nations have voiced opposition to Infantino’s plans – he does not have the votes.
Should Infantino press ahead or abandon the plans but try to remain FIFA’s kingpin, discontented nations could convene an emergency FIFA congress to initiate a vote of no confidence.
Only 20 per cent of FIFA members are required to trigger a vote, meaning support from all of UEFA’s members or CONCACAF’s 46 FIFA-registered nations would be sufficient.
Sources have suggested that Norway have floated an emergency congress while all options remain on the table for UEFA nations.
Burnham is the latest high-profile British politician to oppose Infantino after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage urged the Swiss football administrator to step down on Thursday night. ‘Football is for the people,’ Farage posted on X. ‘UEFA are right to take a stand and Gianni Infantino must resign.’
In support of UEFA’s boycott, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: ‘This is a principled decision that we strongly support. Football belongs to the fans, not billionaire investors. Enough is enough. It’s time to take a stand to protect our game.’
