Fan representative Kessen: "It seems like a good time to do

Why it matters

The growing opposition against Gianni Infantino from various continental bodies, including the Asian Football Confederation, highlights a crisis of confidence in FIFA's leadership. The statements of Thomas Kessen, representative of the fans, underline the importance of greater transparency and consistency in the promises made to investors, a crucial issue for the future of world football.

Context

Thomas Kessen, as a fan representative, is voicing growing frustration among football supporters. His criticism of the lack of clarity in FIFA's promises regarding investors could lead to a significant change in the way FIFA manages its relationships with fans and investors.

Key points

  • Fan representative Kessen: "It seems like a good time to do.
  • Thomas Kessen, fan representative, calls for greater consistency regarding investors at FIFA.
  • Fan-Vertreter Kessen: "Scheint ein guter Zeitpunkt, Infantino abzusägen".
With the Asian Football Confederation voting against, the third continental body has already taken a stand against FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plans. If things turn out like this, the election for the second term as president of FIFA will not be a walk in the park for Infantino. Fan representatives are also starting to make their voices heard more, as in the case of Thomas Kessen, fan representative in Germany, who gave an interview to the German newspaper 11Freunde, in which he expressed his thoughts on what is happening in world football and on Infantino's future.

"It seems like a good time for fan representatives to openly say what they think. I believe that a distinction must be made between what is legitimate to do and what is immoral. It is immoral, for example, that the president of FIFA can make promises to investors, such as that of having the 2026 World Cup held in 48 venues, without then explaining to fans how this can work in practice. This is why I ask for greater consistency regarding investors. If an investor comes and tells you that he wants to invest in your sport, in your federation, you must have certainties, not vague promises like those that have been made up to now by FIFA. And the fans must be informed about all this. Because in the end we are the ones who go to the stadium, we are the ones who buy the tickets, the TV rights, the t-shirts, so in the end we are the real capital of this sport."

Kessen also spoke about the FIFA congress which will take place on March 5 in Kigali, Rwanda, and where there will be voting for the new FIFA president.

"I believe that the FIFA congress is an opaque congress, in the sense that it is not clear what will happen there. The members of FIFA, that is, the federations, are not accountable to anyone, they are not accountable to the fans, they are not accountable to the press, and therefore everything that happens there is shrouded in mystery. For example, it is not clear who will vote for whom in this congress. It's all very nebulous. And this lack of transparency, in my opinion, is not acceptable. Fan representatives must also have a say in this, and they must know, for example, the members of the federations, who they are linked to, whether they are linked to values, to principles, or are they simply people who occupy that position and who are not accountable to anyone. Well, I believe that we need more transparency in football, and the fan representatives must have more power", concluded Kessen.

What happens now

If the pressure continues to mount, Infantino could face significant challenges in his bid for a second term. Fan representatives, like Kessen, could further mobilize to demand reforms and greater accountability from FIFA, influencing future decisions regarding investors and football management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Thomas Kessen say about Gianni Infantino?

Thomas Kessen expressed that it seems like a good time for fan representatives to make their voices heard against Gianni Infantino.

Who confirmed the Asian Football Confederation's vote against?

The Asian Football Confederation's vote against was confirmed as the third continental body to speak out against Gianni Infantino's plans.

Why did Kessen speak about Infantino's situation now?

Kessen spoke now because he believes it is a good time for fans to express their opinions, especially in view of the elections for the new FIFA president.

What changes is Kessen calling for investors?

Kessen calls for greater consistency regarding investors and for the promises made by FIFA to be clear and not vague.

When will the FIFA congress take place?

The FIFA congress will take place on March 5 in Kigali, Rwanda.

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