Carlos Cordeiro has stepped down from his role as senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, citing concerns over a proposed private investment scheme that would channel billions into the World Cup.
The plan, which seeks to raise $4.2 billion by selling a permanent stake in football’s most valuable asset, has drawn sharp criticism from continental governing bodies.
Opposition from Europe, North America and Asia
UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have announced a coordinated boycott of all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, until the proposal is withdrawn.
Cordeiro argued that FIFA’s existing financial resources make external capital unnecessary and questioned the transparency of the deal, asking why it was being pursued now and who would ultimately benefit.
The former U.S. Soccer president, who served from 2018 to 2020, had been appointed to the advisory position in 2021 and also contributed to the White House task force overseeing the 2026 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Cordeiro’s resignation follows his earlier departure from U.S. Soccer in 2020, a move that came amid controversy over the federation’s legal strategy in a dispute with the U.S. women’s national team.
Implications for the sport’s governing body
The backlash underscores growing tension between FIFA’s ambition to monetize the tournament and the expectations of its member associations, many of which fear that a private stake could undermine the sport’s integrity and equitable development.
While the proposal remains under discussion, the mounting opposition from Europe, North America and Asia signals that any move toward privatizing the World Cup will require broad consensus and clearer safeguards.