[Image Credit: Fifa]
Sometimes stories leap off the page and into the world, taking on a life of their own and having far-reaching consequences. Martyn Ziegler’s blockbuster scoop this week was one such story. The Times journalist revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino was trying to create a vehicle through which investors could buy stakes in the World Cup.
“Infantino’s role could be to become the ‘commissioner’ or chief executive of the new company, once his last presidential term expires in 2031,” revealed Ziegler. “The salary for that position has not been confirmed but figures close to the plan are said to see it on a par with the NFL, whose commissioner Roger Goodell earns about $64million a year. That is ten times as much as Infantino’s earnings for the most recent financial year in salary and bonuses.”
The reporter also noted how increasing the frequency of World Cups and the number of teams competing in the tournament would drive up value for investors.
The backlash has been swift and decisive. Crucially, UEFA, European football’s governing body, has condemned the plan. That probably ends it. You cannot really have a World Cup without England, France, Germany, Spain et al. Other senior figures and associations have hit out too. It puts not just the plan at risk, but Infantino’s position itself.
Gianni Infantino’s Plan Revealed
None of this could have happened without Ziegler’s story. Had he not done that reporting, more arrangements would have been in place. The scheme would have progressed. It may even have been a fait accompli. Not now.
The plot of the European Super League got by without being exposed by the media, although it was known certain clubs wanted it. When made public, the backlash from fans made it untenable.
In the FIFA example, the associations may have dropped out, as the European clubs did. However, given the money and powerful figures involved in the Gianni Infantino plan, rowing back would have been a lot more difficult. It needed exposing as early as possible, and that’s what Ziegler did.
This is not “just” a sports story, either. Joshua Kushner, brother of President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared, is said to be involved in the scheme. That links it directly to the White House – the biggest names in politics and business.
Football broadcaster Rory Jennings tweeted that Martyn Ziegler deserves a Pulitzer Prize for this work. For saving the most popular sport from greed and ruination. He is right.
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