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Infantino's World Cup Stake Plan Faces Backlash

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup is facing significant opposition and appears "terminally damaged." UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, and other confederations like Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have also rejected the proposal. Even Infantino's senior advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, has resigned in protest.

Despite FIFA's intention to proceed with a vote, the widespread opposition makes success unlikely. The handling of the proposal, which blindsided many influential figures including members of FIFA's highest committee, has been criticized as a "staggering oversight" and an "Icarus moment" for Infantino. Figures like Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, expressed surprise and annoyance at learning of the plan through the media.

This incident highlights concerns about unilateral decision-making within FIFA and the limits of the president's authority. The article suggests that the FIFA presidency itself may need reform to prevent such "hubris." The situation marks a moment where Infantino, who has previously navigated controversies, faces substantial political trouble due to this perceived overreach.