FIFA staff told to remain calm after World Cup rights plan is abandoned

Tensions surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino have intensified after a leaked email from secretary general Mattias Grafstrom revealed the turmoil inside football’s world governing body following the cancellation of a controversial plan to sell commercial interests in the World Cup.

“It is a sad series of events, difficult to understand and accept,” Grafstrom, Infantino’s Swedish deputy, wrote in a message to FIFA staff obtained by Sky News.

Grafstrom oversees FIFA’s operational administration and joined the organisation from UEFA when Infantino became president of the world governing body a decade ago. He has since frequently appeared alongside Infantino at major tournaments and become one of the most prominent figures within FIFA.

Infantino’s critics are reportedly prepared to seek his removal over plans to sell part of the World Cup’s commercial rights. Grafstrom has been mentioned less frequently in connection with the proposal but is regarded as one of the president’s closest allies.

In his email, Grafstrom said the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) had now been definitively abandoned.

“Fortunately, this ended with the final cancellation of the FFE project. Despite our dismay, we must not allow this to make us forget reality.”

His message appeared intended to reassure employees as pressure mounted on Infantino ahead of the next elections.

“We are all in a tumultuous situation, difficult to understand and accept. But as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and our 211 member associations, hand in hand with all stakeholders and in strict compliance with the FIFA Statutes and Regulations.”

Grafstrom also told staff they would be protected from the political dispute surrounding the organisation.

“I assure you that as employees of the organisation, you will be protected and shielded from the current political context. Do not worry. People, periods of turbulence and unfortunate events are temporary. The organisation, its mission and its responsibility towards world football remain. That is why we must always show professionalism, keep our cool and remain steadfast.”

He added that he would continue to support FIFA employees and its work.

“I also want to assure you that I remain available to you. I will continue to support our teams, our work and our mission, every moment, as long as I have the trust and support of those we serve. The past week has been both extraordinary and trying for all FIFA employees in our offices around the world.”

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who serves as FIFA’s director of football development, said he had played no part in the plan.

“I only heard about this project through the media. It was necessary that this plan did not go ahead. I believe in an independent FIFA.”

The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise was intended to create a new commercial entity through which FIFA could sell stakes in the World Cup to commercial partners.

UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and the Asian Football Confederation reacted strongly to the proposal, putting significant pressure on Infantino as FIFA approached its new elections.