DFB director: Trust in FIFA ruined after Infantino's plan

German Football Federation (DFB) managing director Andreas Rettig said that the relationship between the association and football governing body FIFA is beyond repair following the World Cup investor affair and other leadership issues.

"From my point of view, there has been an irreparable loss of trust," Rettig told the Stern magazine in an interview.

"A reason for that is the way this decision was supposed to be reached, behind closed doors, so to speak, and the dishonest tactics used to lure people in.

"Another reason is the substance of the proposal itself. It shows that Mr Infantino has surrounded himself with people from outside the world of football, from the financial sector or the real economy," Rettig explained.

"But you cannot simply apply principles from the financial sector or the real economy directly to football."

Last week, Infantino unveiled plans worth billions to sell World Cup rights to private investors. Following an major protests, including UEFA's threat of a World Cup boycott, the FIFA boss withdrew the proposal.

Infantino, who has headed the association since 2016, has faced fierce criticism as a result.

"When he became FIFA President and replaced Sepp Blatter, there was initially a great sense of relief. We thought things could only get better. Unfortunately we were taught otherwise," said Rettig.

"I think there has been a development. In my opinion, Mr Infantino has invested a lot of time, money and energy in maintaining his power structure. Obviously, many decisions primarily served to consolidate his own position."

According to Rettig, Infantino is essentially no longer acceptable in his position.

"I can only point to UEFA's statement. It speaks of a loss of confidence. That really says it all. When members publicly declare that they no longer have confidence in the leadership, it is a very clear signal," he said.