FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigns over controversial FFE proposal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suffered another setback in his bid to launch the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) after senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his position in protest over the controversial investment plan.

Cordeiro, a former banker who has served as an adviser to FIFA since 2021, announced his immediate resignation on Friday, saying he was firmly opposed to proposals that would see a minority stake in FIFA’s commercial assets sold to private investors.

In a statement seen by multiple media outlets, Cordeiro made his position clear.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the FIFA World Cup.

“Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. It is a bad deal for FIFA’s Member Associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game.”

Cordeiro Questions Need for Private Investment

Cordeiro argued that FIFA already possesses the financial resources needed to invest in the development of football without relinquishing ownership of its most valuable commercial assets.

The former banking executive pointed to FIFA’s strong financial position, highlighting the organisation’s substantial cash reserves, debt-free status and projected $15 billion in revenue generated between 2022 and 2026.

“Football has been central to my life, and after more than 35 years in banking, I understand both the value of this asset and the consequences of giving part of it away,” he said.

“If Member Associations believe additional investment is needed to develop the game, FIFA already has the financial capacity to provide that support from its existing resources.”

He also questioned the logic behind the proposal, arguing that selling a permanent stake in football’s flagship competition to raise approximately $4.2 billion would amount to sacrificing the sport’s future without sufficient justification.

“It is mortgaging football’s future without any compelling justification.”

‘Football Must Come First’

Explaining his decision to leave FIFA, Cordeiro described the proposal as a defining moment for world football’s governing body.

“After careful consideration, I can no longer continue in my role as Senior Adviser to the FIFA President. I have therefore resigned with immediate effect.”

He added that FIFA’s primary responsibility should always be safeguarding the game rather than maximising commercial revenue.

“FIFA’s responsibility is not to maximise commercial returns at any cost. It is to protect and strengthen football for future generations. When those principles come into conflict, football must come first.”

Cordeiro concluded by expressing hope that others within the organisation would also voice their concerns.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve FIFA for more than five years and to work alongside dedicated, principled people who care deeply about the game. I hope they, too, will speak up, because decisions of this magnitude should be made in the interests of football, not those who stand to profit from it.”

UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC Unite in Opposition

Cordeiro’s resignation comes just hours after three of football’s continental governing bodies publicly rejected the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.

UEFA has emerged as the strongest opponent, announcing that all 55 member associations would boycott FIFA competitions if the plans proceed.

Meanwhile, CONCACAF also confirmed its opposition to the proposal, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it stands in solidarity with both UEFA and CONCACAF in resisting the initiative.

The growing resistance represents a significant challenge to Infantino’s plans, with three of the world’s six continental confederations now publicly opposing the project.

FIFA Defends the Proposal

Despite mounting criticism, FIFA and President Gianni Infantino have continued to defend the proposed reforms.

Football’s world governing body has rejected suggestions that it is attempting to “sell off” the game, insisting that reports surrounding the proposal have been misleading.

FIFA has also accused sections of the media of disrupting the consultation process as discussions over the future of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) continue.

Whether the proposal can move forward now appears increasingly uncertain as opposition grows from within FIFA itself and across the international football community.