Senior advisor to Infantino resigns in protest against sale of
According to Championat.
Why this matters
The dismissal of Carlos Cordeiro as senior advisor to Gianni Infantino raises questions about the future direction of FIFA and the management of World Cup rights. The sale of rights could negatively impact the football ecosystem, affecting member federations and the development of the sport, especially with the approach of the 2026 World Cup, which will have an expanded format and an innovative geographic distribution.
Main conclusions
- Senior advisor to Infantino resigns in protest against sale of.
- Carlos Cordeiro resigned as Gianni Infantino's advisor, contesting a possible sale of a stake in the rights to the World Cup, as he considers it to be harmful to football and the federations, according to Sky News.
- Старший советник главы ФИФА подал в отставку в знак протеста против продажи прав на ЧМ.
Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his position as senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, in protest against the possibility of selling a stake in the rights linked to the World Championships. The information was provided by Sky News, which cites the former leader's own letter and statements.
According to the same source, Cordeiro, who directly advised Infantino, understands that the possible operation to sell part of the rights associated with the World Cup represents a risk for the football ecosystem. In his position, the official emphasizes that a transaction of this type could compromise the interests of member federations and the future of sport, at a time when FIFA is preparing the 2026 World Cup cycle, the first with 48 teams and 104 games, distributed across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"As a senior advisor to the FIFA president, former banker and long-time fan, I cannot remain indifferent when FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup. Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal and I am unequivocally against it. It is not a good deal for FIFA member associations, it is not a good deal for football and it is not a good deal for the long-term future of this sport", said Cordeiro, quoted by Sky News.
The advisor's departure comes in a context in which World Cup rights – which encompass commercial aspects and the exploitation of competitions – are traditionally one of the main sources of revenue and investment for the global development of football. Any structural change in the way these rights are held or monetized therefore tends to generate intense debate among game stakeholders, from federations and confederations to sponsors and broadcast rights holders.
For FIFA, the cycle that culminates in the 2026 World Cup is particularly sensitive: in addition to the new format with more teams and games, the tournament will be played in 16 cities in three countries, with unprecedented logistical and commercial demands. The design of rights packages and the stability of their value in the market are seen as key elements to sustain the competitive expansion and growth ambition of the sport in the Americas and globally.
So far, no further official details have been released about the alleged operation under study, nor has FIFA publicly commented on the reasons or contours of a possible sale of participation in the rights to the World Cup. Carlos Cordeiro's resignation, however, adds pressure and raises new questions about the organization's commercial strategy at a decisive stage in the preparation of the 2026 World Cup, whose relevance and financial impact will be decisive for the next cycle of national team football.
What happens next
With Cordeiro's departure, FIFA may face challenges in its strategy for commercializing World Cup rights. Pressure to ensure member associations' interests are respected could increase, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches, where collaboration between host countries will be crucial to the success of the event.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Carlos Cordeiro?
Carlos Cordeiro has resigned as senior advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in protest against the possibility of selling a stake in the rights to the World Cups.
Who confirmed Cordeiro’s dismissal?
The information about Carlos Cordeiro's dismissal was provided by Sky News, which cites the former director's own letter and statements.
Why did Cordeiro decide to resign now?
Cordeiro decided to resign because he believes that the
Any sale of World Cup rights represents a risk to the football ecosystem and compromises the interests of member federations.
What changes are being proposed in relation to World Cup rights?
The proposal in question involves the alienation of part of the rights associated with the World Cup, which Cordeiro considers a bad decision for the future of football.
What is the context of Cordeiro’s dismissal?
The dismissal comes at a time when FIFA is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first with 48 teams and 104 games, spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada.