The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has declared that it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, intensifying pressure on the football governing body's leadership after FIFA abandoned its controversial plan to privatise its commercial business. UEFA issued a strongly worded statement on Saturday, only hours after Infantino confirmed the withdrawal of the proposal, describing the initiative as an opaque process that lacked transparency and had damaged trust within world football. The development marks one of the most significant public disagreements between FIFA and UEFA in recent years.

The proposal sought to establish a separate company to manage FIFA's commercial rights, including those linked to the FIFA World Cup, with plans to sell a stake to private investors. The announcement triggered widespread opposition from football associations, clubs and officials across the global football community. Critics argued that the move could fundamentally alter the governance and commercial structure of the sport while reducing transparency over the management of FIFA's most valuable assets.

Facing mounting criticism, Infantino announced that the investment proposal would not proceed. In a statement, he said that after listening to the views of stakeholders, it had become evident that the project had created divisions that outweighed its intended benefits. He added that he would work to bring all interested parties back together in the coming weeks in an effort to restore unity and continue discussions in the broader interests of football.

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UEFA welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal but said the decision alone would not be enough to repair the damage caused. The organisation described the abandoned plan as a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" and stated that the current FIFA leadership had lost not only UEFA's confidence but also that of many members of the wider football community. It added that rebuilding trust within FIFA must now become the organisation's priority.

The controversy also exposed divisions within FIFA itself. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour reportedly said staff had been misled about aspects of the proposal, while senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro announced his resignation in opposition to the plan. The internal criticism, combined with resistance from football bodies around the world, significantly increased pressure on FIFA's leadership and contributed to the project's withdrawal.

Despite the setback, Infantino has indicated that he intends to remain in office and continue engaging with football stakeholders. However, UEFA's declaration of no confidence represents a major challenge to his leadership and highlights growing concerns over governance and decision-making within FIFA. The episode has also renewed calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the administration of international football as governing bodies seek to rebuild confidence following the abandoned investment proposal.

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