In-depth leaks have allegedly linked the FIFA president to secret discussions to rebrand the disgraced European Super League the “FIFA Super League” just months before it collapsed in 2021.
The term sheet from October 2020 is reported by The Guardian to detail a long-term association deal between the football governing body and the proposed split competition. It allegedly proposed to put the competition under the FIFA brand and would have seen the sport’s ruling body given preferred equity and much control in running the format of the game, governance and commercial aspects.
The deal also proposed a Global Club Competition on an annual basis from the Super League, which would replace the current format of the tournament with a straightforward knockout competition. It is claimed that a “golden share” would also provide Fifa with enhanced decision-making authority with a part to play in solidarity payments, changing of schedules and appointments of executives.
The revelations have hit Infantino at an unfortunate time, given that he is already under attack for axing his plans for private funding of the World Cup.
Although Fifa was vociferous in its denunciation of the Super League when officially revealed in April 2021, the leaks indicate that talks had moved far beyond before the organization broke ranks.
The body has yet to release a statement on the claims that further the doubts over the leadership and direction of Fifa under Infantino.
