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FA Chief Demands FIFA Transparency on World Cup Plan

ESPN Soccer •
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FIFA vice president and FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt has demanded FIFA president Gianni Infantino release all documents concerning his proposal for private investors to buy stakes in the World Cup and the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card, sources told ESPN.

Infantino withdrew his proposal for private investors to buy stakes in a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, after widespread opposition. Hewitt wrote to Infantino asking for all background documents and correspondence so FIFA council members have complete transparency. The council next meets on Oct. 15.

The news comes as UEFA vice president Laura Mc Allister told ESPN the plans "struck at the very heart of the principles of the game." UEFA is taking legal action against Infantino, who will stand for reelection next year. Mc Allister cited issues around World Cup awarding, human rights, the FIFA Peace Prize, and political interference in the Balogun case. UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments if Infantino pursued the plan, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also voiced opposition.