Gianni Infantino's authority faced further erosion as Mattias Grafström, the FIFA secretary general, described the failed World Cup private investment initiative as a “sad and reproachable series of events.” This statement marks a significant distancing from Infantino by senior FIFA officials amid ongoing turmoil within the organization.

On Tuesday morning, Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global development, supported the withdrawal of the controversial project, labeling it as “absolutely necessary and beyond question.” His remarks come after the recent resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, and a critical statement from Kevin Lamour, FIFA's chief operating officer, who claimed the administration had been “deceived” by the president.

In an email to FIFA staff, Grafström reflected on the “extraordinary and challenging” week, urging colleagues to remain focused on their mission despite the chaos. He emphasized that the disappointing events surrounding the project should not overshadow the success of this summer’s World Cup and reassured staff that they would be protected from the ongoing political strife.

Grafström stated:

• “Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go... the institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue.”

Wenger, who joined FIFA in November 2019, expressed his surprise at being sidelined from the strategic plan, revealing that he learned of it through media reports. He reiterated the need for an independent FIFA that operates with “commitment, transparency, and integrity.”

These developments signal a growing sense of isolation for Infantino within FIFA's upper management as dissent grows over his leadership.