Gianni Infantino ‘plotted U15s World Cup hosted next to DISNEYLAND with 211 teams representing every Fifa nation’

GIANNI INFANTINO reportedly tried to launch an Under-15s World Cup next to Disneyland featuring all 211 Fifa nations. The under-fire Fifa chief is said to have plotted a youth “festival of football” inspired by Little League in baseball. Fifa chief Gianni Infantino reportedly attempted to launch an U15 World Cup featuring 211 sides Credit: AFP The event would have been hosted next to Disneyworld in Orlando Credit: Getty Infantino – who is already facing calls to resign after trying to sell off chunks of the World Cup – was hoping to commercialise the U15 tournament. The event would have taken place at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex close to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, according to the Athletic. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But the plans were scrapped just before the start of the senior World Cup this summer. Proposals for the tournament were drawn up by businessmen such as ex-Mexico FA chief Juan Carlos Rodriguez, the report says. Organisers spoke with broadcasters ESPN, who have aired the Little League World Series, to discuss hosting it at their Disney complex. And proposals also included having the opening and closing ceremonies at the Disney theme park. Infantino was also involved in the plans, the report goes on to say, and wanted the opening match to be between Israel and Palestine. It comes after his failed attempts to get the two federations to shake hands at the Fifa Congress in April amid the nations’ ongoing conflict. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Infantino first discussed the idea for the new U15 event in December with shorter matches and smaller pitches, but never spoke about commercialising it. The Swiss chief said at the time: “We have been very active in promoting youth competitions and development, and this is a natural next step, and a very joyous one.” Infantino remains under immense pressure after his failed bid to create a subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise, which would have overseen the World Cup and allowed investors to claim a stake in it. Infantino has come under huge pressure over his failed bid to sell off the World Cup Credit: PA Uefa chief Alexander Ceferin is an early contender to replace him ahead of next year’s elections Credit: Alamy He quickly lost support from a number of organisations and federations, including Uefa – who threatened a boycott of Fifa tournaments. They were joined by Concacaf and the AFC, while the English FA and Welsh FA have revoked their support for Infantino. Infantino has had support from some federations, including Mexico, Qatar and Argentina. He is likely to face stiff opposition ahead of the Fifa presidential elections on March 18, 2027. Uefa chief Alexander Ceferin is said to be a candidate, as well as PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Arsene Wenger and Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani. It comes as Fifa start the process of deciding the World Cup 2038 and 2042 hosts, with the UK set to bid to host one of them. Comment now