Dutch FA make Gianni Infantino stance clear: “The KNVB no longer has confidence in his leadership” | OneFootball

The Dutch football association, the KNVB, have made a statement regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

After the Swiss made fresh proposals for World Cup stakes to be opened up to private investors, as well as broadening the competition to 62 teams, associations across the globe have revolted.

Infantino had offered FIFA’s 211 member associations $40m (£30m) if they backed a proposal for private investment in its tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. However, despite this summer’s commercially minded US romp, the reception wasn’t as expected.

Being no different, the KNVB were pleased that Infantino eventually withdrew the plans amidst widespread backlash. “From the start, we, together with UEFA and the other European associations, have made it clear that both the content of the proposal and the manner in which it came about were unacceptable to us.”

“The way this process has unfolded has led to a fundamental breach of trust in the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The KNVB no longer has confidence in his leadership,” the association reported. “This is evident not only from the concerns expressed by associations worldwide, but also from the criticism and concerns that exist within the FIFA organisation itself.”

The KNVB has called for a serious discussion regarding the future of governance and leadership within the governing body. “This outcome shows how important it is that decisions about the future of international football are made in a transparent manner and in close consultation with all parties involved. Together with UEFA and federations worldwide, the KNVB remains committed to good governance and strong international football, in which the interests of the sport always come first.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield