Frenchman Arsène Wenger, head of global football development, distanced himself from the plans of Swiss Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football "FIFA", regarding the sale of shares in the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is struggling to remain in his position at the head of the governing body after being forced to humiliatingly backtrack on his proposals to raise private investments for the commercial and operational aspects of the international federation's tournaments.
Wenger attacks Infantino's proposal on the World Cup
Wenger claimed that he was not aware of these plans, amid the ongoing reform process, adding: "Recent events at FIFA require some clarification on my part, as I am among those responsible, holding the position of head of global football development."
He also said: "I oversee with my team the analysis of game data, FIFA's electronic training center, and the development of youth education through 60 academies in the 60 most needy countries, in addition to youth competitions around the world."
He continued: "In addition, I am a technical advisor to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), but I did not participate in this strategic plan, and I learned of the project for the first time through media reports."
Wenger added: "The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond dispute, because I firmly believe in FIFA's independence, which serves our sport with commitment, transparency, and integrity."
According to the "Daily Mail" newspaper, in the meantime, Grafström, the highest-ranking official in the international federation, reassured his colleagues in a special and important memo that they would be protected from the instability surrounding Infantino.
Both the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) had previously called for a change in FIFA's leadership, with UEFA expressing its loss of confidence in Infantino.
Both England and Wales withdrew their support for Infantino, who is scheduled to run for re-election in March, while the Daily Mail Sport learned that Scotland took the same stance.
In a memo circulated throughout the company, Grafström — whose name has been floated as a potential successor to Infantino — described the plans as "shameful," directing veiled criticism at FIFA President Infantino.
Grafström said: "It is an unfortunate and shameful series of events that fortunately ended with the final abandonment of the European Football Association project, and although we feel resentful about it, it should not overshadow this fact."
He continued: "We have all been placed in the midst of turmoil that is difficult to understand and accept, but as secretary general, I urge you to focus on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 member associations, alongside all stakeholders, and in full compliance with FIFA's statutes and regulations."
Grafström affirmed: "I assure you, as members of the administration, that you will be defended and protected from the political circumstances we are currently experiencing; there is no need for concern."
He noted: "Individuals, unstable moments, and unfortunate events come and go; the institution, its mission, and its responsibility toward world football continue, and therefore we must always maintain our professionalism, objective outlook, and calm."
He clarified: "I would also like you to know that my office is always open to you, and I will continue to support our teams, our work, and our mission around the clock, seven days a week, as long as my work is appreciated by those we serve."
It is worth noting that Grafström is the third FIFA official to oppose Infantino after the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro last week, and at the same time, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour strongly criticized these plans.
