The situation surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains tense after a leaked email from his secretary general, Mattias Grafstrom, provided an insight into the organisation’s reaction to the collapse of plans to sell commercial rights linked to 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 world football’s governing body 10 years ago. He has since appeared regularly 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 a share of the World Cup’s rights. Grafstrom has attracted less attention in that debate, although he is regarded as one of the president’s closest colleagues.
In his email, Grafstrom referred to the cancellation of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial body intended to sell parts of the World Cup to commercial partners.
“Fortunately, this ended with the definitive cancellation of the FFE project. Despite our dismay, we must not allow this to make us forget reality,” he wrote.
His message appeared intended to reassure FIFA employees as pressure on Infantino intensifies.
“We all find ourselves 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 shielded from the political circumstances surrounding the organisation.
“I assure you that, as employees of the organisation, you will be protected and sheltered from the current political context. Do not worry. People, periods of turbulence and unfortunate events are temporary. The organisation, its mission and its responsibility to world football remain. That is why we must always demonstrate professionalism, keep our composure and remain steadfast.”
He added that he would continue to support the organisation’s employees and their work.
“I would also like 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 challenging for all FIFA employees in our offices around the world.”
Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s director of football development, said he had played no part in the proposal. The Frenchman said he had learned about the plan only through media reports and believed it was right that it should not proceed.
“I only heard about this project through the media. It was necessary that this plan did not succeed. I believe in an independent FIFA.”
The FFE proposal prompted strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and the Asian Football Confederation. Their response placed significant pressure on Infantino as new elections approach.
