Key facts
- Fifa President Gianni Infantino faces calls to resign.
- Secret plans reportedly involve selling stakes in a new commercial entity managing the World Cup.
- Potential private investors include allies of Donald Trump.
- Former Fifa advisor Ebru Koksal called for Infantino to resign.
- Koksal stated the situation highlights Fifa's need for independent non-executive directors.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino is facing calls for his resignation due to alleged secret plans to sell stakes in a newly formed commercial entity responsible for managing the World Cup. Reports indicate that private investors, including individuals associated with Donald Trump, are being considered as potential buyers. Ebru Koksal, a former Fifa advisor, has publicly stated that this situation underscores Fifa's urgent need for independent non-executive directors. Koksal's comments suggest that the current governance structure may be insufficient to prevent such deals, which could compromise the integrity of the organization and its flagship tournament. The proposed sale of stakes to private entities raises concerns about transparency and accountability within Fifa's commercial operations related to the World Cup. The involvement of investors linked to Donald Trump adds another layer of political and financial complexity to the unfolding situation. Koksal's call for independent directors points to a perceived lack of external checks and balances within Fifa's decision-making processes concerning major commercial ventures.