Carlos Cordeiro, who served as a FIFA adviser and a member of the White House Task Force, announced his resignation this week, citing his opposition to the governing body’s plan to sell a $20 billion stake in the World Cup to private investors.
The Proposal Unveiled
Under the scheme floated by Gianni Infantino, FIFA would spin off its commercial operations — including the rights to host and broadcast the World Cup — into a separate subsidiary valued at roughly $20 billion, with about 20 percent earmarked for private equity investors.
Cordeiro denounced the move as a “bad deal for football,” arguing that the tournament’s heritage belongs to players, clubs and fans worldwide and should not be mortgaged for short‑term capital.
His criticism was echoed by UEFA, which declared it would boycott the World Cup and any competition overseen by FIFA if the plan proceeds, underscoring the deepening rift within world football’s governing bodies.
The former adviser pointed to FIFA’s own financial robustness, noting that the organization has amassed billions in reserves over the past four World Cup cycles and carries no debt, making the sale of a stake appear unnecessary.
He also highlighted the involvement of a New York‑based investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of former White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, adding a political dimension to the controversy.
In a statement reflecting on his five‑year tenure alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Cordeiro praised the dedication of FIFA’s staff while warning that the commercial overhaul could undermine the sport’s global legacy.