Cameroon Football Federation President Samuel Eto’o has called on African football leaders to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he faces growing pressure over a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Infantino’s proposal, reportedly valued at $4.2 billion, has triggered strong opposition from European football authorities and raised questions about the future governance and commercial direction of FIFA.
European football governing body UEFA has sought documents from US courts relating to the proposal. FIFA withdrew the plan on August 1, only days after it became public, following intense criticism.
Despite the backlash, Eto’o praised Infantino’s leadership and urged African football administrators to stand behind the FIFA president.
The former Cameroon captain specifically credited Infantino with increasing Africa’s representation at the World Cup from five to nine places, as well as increasing financial support for national football associations across the continent.
The dispute has widened into a broader confrontation between FIFA and UEFA.
According to court documents, UEFA has said it is preparing a criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland over possible financial mismanagement.
FIFA, however, has rejected the allegations and accused UEFA of pressuring European football associations to oppose Infantino’s World Cup investment proposal.
The controversy has also prompted calls for wider discussions about FIFA’s leadership and governance.
The Dutch Football Federation is the latest national association to call for changes at the top of world football. On Sunday, it called for an international summit to discuss the future of FIFA and the direction of global football governance.
The growing opposition to Infantino’s commercial proposals comes as FIFA faces increasing scrutiny over its financial decisions, relationships with member associations and the balance of influence between its continental confederations.
