Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafström and Arsène Wenger have publicly criticized a failed private investment project linked to Gianni Infantino.

Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafström has described a failed private investment plan for the World Cup as a "sad and reproachable" series of events. His comments follow a statement from Fifa’s chief of global development, Arsène Wenger, who called the project's withdrawal "absolutely necessary." These developments highlight growing internal friction within the organization regarding President Gianni Infantino’s leadership.

Internal criticism of the project

In an email to staff, Grafström referred to the situation as an "extraordinary and challenging" week. While he did not name Infantino directly, he urged employees to remain focused on serving football and member associations, promising to protect staff from the current political context. He emphasized that the institution's mission should remain the priority despite the turmoil.

Wenger and other leadership reactions

Arsène Wenger, who has served as Fifa’s chief of global development since November 2019, stated that he was not involved in the strategic plan and only learned of it through media reports. He advocated for an independent Fifa characterized by transparency and integrity. These criticisms follow the recent resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro and a rebuke from chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, who claimed the administration had been deceived.