UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, likening him to the emperor in the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes". Ceferin made the comments at the European Football Clubs (EFC) general assembly in Copenhagen, stating that football has no need for "emperors" and that Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors was unacceptable.
Ceferin's comments come after Infantino's failed proposal to create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. UEFA has been outspoken in its opposition to Infantino's plans, and Ceferin insisted that football is bigger than those who govern it, adding that nobody has the right to sell its future.
The feud between UEFA and FIFA has been ongoing, with UEFA accusing FIFA of attempting to "influence" the FIFA presidential election scheduled for next year. UEFA has also gone to a court in the US state of Florida in an attempt to access documents related to Infantino's failed plan, with the aim of gathering evidence for a potential criminal complaint in Switzerland.
Ceferin used his address to delegates to emphasize that money can help the game grow, but it should never decide what is let go of. He added that Europe should make no apology for saying so, and that numerous leading European national associations have withdrawn their support for Infantino in his bid to be re-elected president of FIFA next year.
Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Paris Saint-Germain president and chairman of the EFC, backed Ceferin's comments, stating that football works when everyone listens to each other and is transparent. Al-Khelaifi also expressed his support for Ceferin to stand again for re-election as UEFA president next year, saying that strong leadership is needed to protect the sport.
The attack on Infantino comes as UEFA and FIFA continue to clash over issues of governance and finance. FIFA has responded to UEFA's criticism, accusing the European body of a "misinformation campaign". The feud has significant implications for the future of football, with many stakeholders calling for greater transparency and accountability.
The controversy surrounding Infantino's proposal has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the motives behind the plan. As the FIFA presidential election approaches, it remains to be seen how the feud between UEFA and FIFA will play out, and what the consequences will be for the sport as a whole.
Key points
- UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino
- Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors was unacceptable
- The feud between UEFA and FIFA has significant implications for the future of football
