The football associations of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands expressed their lack of confidence in the president of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino. "The six football associations of the northern countries have lost trust in the FIFA president and are deeply concerned about the leadership style and decisions being made at the highest levels of the organization," their joint statement, released on Sunday, August 23, after a meeting in Helsinki, said. Representatives of the northern countries demanded from FIFA "firm guarantees that it will never open access to its structures and tournaments to private owners." Additionally, the associations stated their loss of confidence in the governing bodies and established procedures within FIFA. "We also demand that FIFA initiate a comprehensive independent review to ensure that the organization’s governance system provides independence, control mechanisms, transparency, and accountability," the statement said. ## ## Infantino Wanted to Sell Shares in the World Cup to Trump Relatives Gianni Infantino, who plans to run for the head of the organization for a fourth term in March next year, has come under intense pressure due to his plan to attract private investment in the World Cup. According to media reports, he intended to sell shares in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors, including relatives of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. After sharp criticism, FIFA had to abandon these plans. The European football associations (UEFA) announced a boycott of the men's and women's World Cups until they receive full guarantees that similar schemes will not be proposed in the future. The tone towards Infantino has also hardened from the confederations of Asia, as well as North and Central America. Nevertheless, individual national associations within these confederations promised Infantino their support.
