United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described under-fire FIFA President Gianni Infantino as “the wrong man” the world’s football governing body amid uproar over private investment proposals in the World Cup and other tournaments.

Mr Burnham made the comments hours after the Asian Football Confederation joined UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to oppose the move by FIFA to sell stake in the body to investors, including those linked to President Donald Trump. 

“This was an outrageous suggestion. The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation,” the politician, who had earlier released a statement in opposition to the sale proposal, said. 

Mr Burnham was not the only popular figure to come out against Mr Infantino over the investment proposal on Friday as the FIFA boss’ senior adviser on global strategy and governance, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned from his position over recent developments. 

In a lengthy statement, Mr Cordeiro said he “unequivocally” opposed the plans and said he “did not accept the proposition”. Fifa needed outside investors to “unlock greater value”.

He added, “The proposal has become a defining question for Fifa’s future. Fifa’s responsibility is not to maximise commercial returns at any cost. It is to protect and strengthen football for future generations. When those principles come into conflict, football must come first.”

“Most troubling of all is the absence of answers to fundamental questions. Why this deal? Why now? What oversight exists? Who benefits?. These questions remain largely unanswered, and yet member associations are being asked to make a decision of enormous consequence in barely 50 days or risk being left behind. 

“That is not a responsible way to determine the future of the world’s game.”

Additionally, FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour has also voiced his opposition to the proposal, describing it as a one-man project. 

“It is the project of one person. Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions,” Mr Lamour said, 

A long-time associate of Mr Infantino from their years at both FIFA and UEFA, Mr Lamour said he felt compelled to speak out, even if doing so could cost him his job.

“And if that means I lose my job, then so be it” the French official said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”