TORONTO (AP) – Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada has publicly expressed his loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, amid escalating scrutiny following Infantino's retracted proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup. This initiative provoked an intense global opposition from various factions, including national soccer federations and senior FIFA advisers.

Carney criticized Infantino's decision-making process, labeling it a "fatal" governance failure. He underlined that proper governance necessitates transparency and consulting with senior advisors, including FIFA's chief operating officer and board members. "The idea that proper governance is not to disclose to your closest advisors, your chief operating officer, your fellow board members something of consequence that you’re even considering – let alone proposing – that should be fatal," Carney stated. The Prime Minister made it clear: "Certainly I don’t have confidence in Mr. Infantino."

Canada is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico. Carney has previously shared the spotlight with Infantino at numerous events associated with the tournament. Notably, he was present at the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he sat alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, presenting awards after Spain's victory over Argentina.

Carney's remarks followed Infantino's retreat from the controversial proposal which suggested forming a US$20 billion firm to oversee the World Cup with backing from private investors, including the Kushner family. This plan was met with outrage from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and countless national soccer federations. Infantino's abandonment of the proposal was seen as a necessary response to the substantial pushback.

Member associations of the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) expressed serious concerns about the proposal, citing the lack of review or approval from FIFA's governing bodies. In a statement released on Wednesday, Canada Soccer aligned itself with both CONCACAF's criticisms and Carney's views, announcing plans to discuss the issue at an upcoming board meeting to decide on subsequent actions.

Notably, UEFA's 55 member associations had reached a consensus to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions should Infantino's plan have proceeded. In light of the controversy, UEFA announced intentions to collaborate with other confederations to prevent similar proposals in the future.

Following Infantino's reversal, FIFA had not issued immediate comments. Despite still having backing from certain member associations, such as Qatar, Infantino's leadership is increasingly coming under fire. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently labeled Infantino "the wrong man to lead" global soccer.

The impending FIFA presidential election is slated for March in Rabat, Morocco, with prospective candidates required to declare by November 18. One contender rumored to be a potential successor to Infantino is Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of CONCACAF and FIFA vice president. Montagliani played an instrumental role in securing Canada's bid for the 2026 World Cup.

When asked if he would endorse Montagliani as the next FIFA president, Carney remarked that such decisions lay within the purview of FIFA’s governing body, rather than falling to international politicians. He expressed "tremendous respect" for Montagliani, acknowledging him as an exceptional individual and a credit to both Canada and the sport of football. "He’s done a very good job in his role at CONCACAF... Loves the game. Loves the game," Carney emphasized.

This report highlights significant unrest revolving around FIFA's leadership as the organization prepares for a pivotal election cycle and navigates the fallout from a highly contentious proposal.