The head of Europe’s professional football leagues, Claudius Schaefer, stated that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s position looks untenable following his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights. Schaefer, whose organisation represents 53 professional men’s and women’s football leagues, said there could be ‘only one consequence’ for Infantino after his plan triggered a storm of protest from regional associations.

Infantino’s Plan Sparks Backlash

Infantino said on Friday that FIFA had scrapped the plan after a widespread backlash. Regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership. Schaefer, also chief executive of the Swiss Football League, said the proposal suggested that FIFA’s main goal was to maximise profits for third parties by having more and bigger competitions in future.

Schaefer expressed his surprise that the president was acting completely alone in this matter, without involving key bodies such as the FIFA Council. The European Leagues opposed this plan because it would add more matches to an already packed international calendar to the detriment of national championships.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.