Wenger and Infantino’s No 2 Grafström criticise ‘sad and reproachable’ World Cup plan
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has faced further criticism from within his own organisation after secretary general Mattias Grafström described the failed World Cup private investment scheme as a "sad and reproachable series of events". Arsène Wenger, Fifa's chief of global development, also broke his silence to say the plan's withdrawal was "absolutely necessary and beyond question", revealing he had not been involved in or informed about the project until it appeared in media reports. The comments deepen the sense that Infantino is becoming isolated within Fifa's senior leadership as pressure mounts on his presidency.
The rebukes follow last week's resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro and a similarly critical statement from chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, who said the administration had been "deceived" by Infantino. Grafström's remarks came in an email to Fifa staff, in which he avoided naming Infantino directly but pledged to shield colleagues from the ongoing turmoil while urging them to stay focused on serving football's 211 member associations. The fallout has coincided with a number of European federations withdrawing their backing for Infantino's re-election on Monday, with further defections expected.
- Fifa's No 2 and Wenger criticise Infantino's failed World Cup investment plan
- Wenger says he learned of the scheme only through media reports
- European federations are withdrawing support for Infantino's re-election
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Pursuing private investment to develop global football infrastructure represents a legitimate strategic objective that may require measured confidentiality in early decision-making stages. The scheme was ultimately withdrawn when concerns emerged, demonstrating that organisational accountability mechanisms function appropriately. A single unsuccessful initiative ought not disqualify an entire presidency, and internal political opposition may be amplifying genuine but manageable governance concerns.
The case against
FIFA operates 211 member associations globally and requires transparent, inclusive decision-making on major initiatives. Infantino's failure to consult senior officials like Wenger and Lamour's characterisation of staff being deliberately deceived represent fundamental governance failures that breach organisational trust. Multiple independent rebukes from his own senior leadership indicate systemic problems that legitimately raise questions about his fitness for continued leadership.
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