World Cup Sell-off Plan Deepens Fifa Crisis As Uefa Member Withdraws Support

The move follows Infantino's decision to sack chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after the Frenchman criticised the World Cup sell-off plan, hardening opposition to the Fifa president with efforts to force him out expected to intensify in the coming days. In the letter, seen by the Guardian, Zuares said recent events have triggered an "unprecedented crisis of confidence" between the visions of Uefa and Fifa on global governance, calling the rift "profound, substantive, and principled, and compelling all stakeholders to reconsider the path forward. He confirmed the decision was taken unanimously after an IFA board meeting, adding: "We have no choice but to retract our previous letter of support, in the sincere hope that fruitful dialogue among all parties will eventually restore a shared, proper vision and direction for world football. The move was not a surprise as the IFA has been a Uefa member since 1994 and Zuares sits on the European governing body's executive committee, but it remains another blow to Infantino, who has invested significant political capital in improving sporting relations with Palestine.