European soccer leader Aleksander Ceferin said Wednesday that repairing the unity and trust damaged by FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup sell-off plan is “our work.” The plan, which aimed to sell broadcasting rights and other assets, was widely criticized and later withdrawn. Ceferin emphasized that the focus must remain on rebuilding confidence within the football community.
Several European football associations, including the Netherlands’ KNVB, have expressed skepticism about Infantino’s leadership and continue to push for new leadership within FIFA. Meanwhile, Infantino has proposed measures such as an independent external review and consultations with the 211 member associations to reform FIFA’s governance.
Despite these efforts, many remain unconvinced. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf called Infantino’s proposals a “transparent maneuver,” suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to change. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between FIFA and its European representatives over transparency and decision-making power.
The debate continues as football bodies seek to balance reform with the need to maintain unity and credibility in global football governance.
