Aleksander Ceferin, Fifa’s president, compared Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup plan to the Super League fiasco. He said it was ‘even worse than the Super League plan’ because football was being sold. This came as Infantino pushed to sell World Cup stakes in August, facing global backlash.
Ceferin led Uefa in blocking Infantino’s scheme. He warned Infantino could face an opponent if he runs for re-election in March. Victor Montagliani, Concacaf’s president, is seen as a possible rival. Infantino tried to win support in the Dominican Republic, angering many.
Uefa and others opposed the FFE scheme, calling it a sell-off of football. Ceferin said the plan was ‘dead’ and praised fans, players, and clubs for stopping it. He ruled out running for Fifa, saying his credibility depends on not seeking the job.
Ugandan fans see this as a fight to protect the sport’s integrity. Many worry that selling World Cup rights could harm African teams.
The argument is whether Infantino’s plan truly harms football. Critics say selling the sport risks exploiting smaller nations. Others argue it’s just business. Ceferin insists the decision was made to protect football’s future.
The FFE plan involved selling World Cup ads and rights. Infantino claimed it would fund development, but opponents called it a cash grab. Ceferin says this is ‘selling the sport that belongs to everyone.’
For Ugandans, this might mean fewer global connections for local teams. But some see it as Fifa’s internal drama. The story leaves open if Montagliani will challenge Infantino or if Ceferin will act.
Key facts: Ceferin called the plan worse than Super League. Infantino holds talks but faces no support. Concacaf opposes him. Ugandans watch Fifa politics for African football’s future.
Source: The Guardian
