Craig won 47% of first preferences, well above what polling had predicted, though not quite enough to avoid a run-off against the second-placed Reform, which Labour also won handily. Nearly 60% of those who cast a ballot backed Labour in the first or second round, a remarkable recovery in a city-region where the party had collapsed just months earlier in local elections. Labour's performance does not look quite so impressive if we zoom out a bit further. The party's first preference share was down 16 points on Andy Burnham's 2024 win (though this was under a different electoral system). Labour never dropped below 60% on first preferences under Burnham. Though Bev Craig won comfortably, this is now a more competitive city-region. Runners-up Reform will be pleased to have pushed Labour into a second round, but disappointed not to have run the winners closer. An aggregate vote share of 21% on first preferences, and under 30% with second preferences added, will have been at the bottom end of the party's expectations. Reform had topped the poll across Greater Manchester in May's local elections, sweeping dozens of councillors out of office. Though this is by a large margin Reform's strongest ever performance in a Greater Manchester mayoral election, it is only their fifth best performance in all mayoral elections, behind all four of last May's contests. After over a year ahead in the national polls, they will have hoped for better. But there were some consolations for Reform, and concerns for Labour, in the borough-by-borough results. Nigel Farage's party secured over 25% of the vote in five of GM's outer boroughs, and hit 30% in Wigan, Andy Burnham's home borough. That could herald further gains for Reform in next May's local elections, when the party will hope to wrest some of these boroughs out of Labour control. The Greens will also be disappointed. Less than six months after their by-election triumph in Gorton and Denton, they have fallen back into a distant third place with just over 12% of the first preference vote. This is only their sixth best performance in a mayoral election, weaker than results achieved in the West of England, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire when the party was less popular in national polling. One consolation for the Greens will be their second-place finish with 24% in Manchester itself - the party will still hope to cause Bev Craig some headaches in her home borough in local elections next year. This was a disastrous night for the Conservatives, who had come second in all three previous Mayoral races but dropped to fifth place in this one, winning less than 8% of the first preference vote. The Liberal Democrats also had a night to forget, winning under 3% of first preferences, comfortably their worst ever showing in the four mayoral contests to date. The biggest story from the trailing pack was instead Restore Britain, the party founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe in February. Restore came in fourth place overall, beating the Conservatives and winning nearly 9% of first preferences, a remarkable showing for a brand-new party. Restore campaigned as a more uncompromising, hardline version of Reform, and their gains here, as in Makerfield last month, may well have come at Reform's expense. Restore won over 12% in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, all boroughs which featured strong Reform performances in May. The largest by-election in British history did not, in the end, excite Greater Manchester's electors. Turnout across Greater Manchester was a shade over 25%, down nearly seven points on the 2024 figure. This was the lowest figure recorded in GM's four contests, and the third lowest for any combined authority mayoral election. An uncompetitive contest held in the school and university summer holiday season was always going to struggle to engage voters. But with devolution now promoted as a route to political renewal, it will concern the new prime minister that so many in Greater Manchester have greeted the prospect of choosing his replacement with a yawn of indifference. The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open-source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

The company co-founded by Nirmal Purja - Elite Exped - has confirmed that the former British Army and Royal Marines soldier has died in Pakistan. Purja, known as Nims, was leading a 10-strong team on the 8,051m Broad Peak in northern Pakistan when the avalanche struck at around midday on Thursday. In a post shared on Instagram, the company said: "Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of this expedition sadly did not survive. "Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy, including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa. "Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones. No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve." Broad Peak, in the Karakoram range, is the world's 12th highest mountain. Rescuers had launched a search for the missing climbers and initially found the bodies of four - identifying two of them as Nadhira Al Harthy from Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung "Yukta" from Nepal. A Netflix star who defied the so-called 'death zone' Purja, 43, was a British citizen with an MBE, and one of the world's most renowned climbers. He scaled the world's 14 highest peaks in just six months in 2019, holding a record for the fastest climb until Norwegian climber Kristin Harila beat him four years later. His remarkable feat was the focus of a popular Netflix documentary, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, which showed him powering to the top of the mountains, each with peaks in the so-called "death zone", starting with Annapurna on April 23 2019 and taking in Everest in May and K2 in July. Purja also featured in the Disney+ documentary Finding Michael, after he was enlisted by the former Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews to help recover the body of his brother Michael, the youngest Briton to summit Everest, who disappeared on the mountain in 1999. Matthews shared a photo with the mountaineer on Instagram, calling the news from Broad Peak "heartbreaking". The 37-year-old reality star wrote: "The mountains inspire us with their beauty but they also demand immense respect. "Every person who ventures into that world understands the risks, yet they go anyway, driven by curiosity, purpose, passion, and a deep love for the places few will ever experience." He went on: "The news from Broad Peak is heartbreaking. So many lives, families, friends and teammates now facing unimaginable loss. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. May those who have been lost be remembered not only for how they died, but for how they lived, the courage they showed, and the lives they touched. Rest in peace. To those not yet found, we pray for a miracle." An 'unstoppable spirit' recognised by the late Queen British adventurer Bear Grylls also paid tribute to Purja, writing on Instagram: "Heartbreaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you Nims and your unstoppable spirit." Purja, who was born in Nepal, was in the military for 16 years. His website says he was the first Gurkha to join the SBS (Special Boat Service), part of the British special forces. In 2016, he broke mountaineering conventions to rescue a climber left in the "Everest death zone", bringing her to safety alone. He was awarded an MBE by the late Queen in 2018 for his achievement in extreme high-altitude mountaineering, and also held 18 Guinness World Records for his mountaineering feats.

Craig won 47% of first preferences, well above what polling had predicted, though not quite enough to avoid a run-off against the second-placed Reform, which Labour also won handily. Nearly 60% of those who cast a ballot backed Labour in the first or second round, a remarkable recovery in a city-region where the party had collapsed just months earlier in local elections. Labour's performance does not look quite so impressive if we zoom out a bit further. The party's first preference share was down 16 points on Andy Burnham's 2024 win (though this was under a different electoral system). Labour never dropped below 60% on first preferences under Burnham. Though Bev Craig won comfortably, this is now a more competitive city-region. Runners-up Reform will be pleased to have pushed Labour into a second round, but disappointed not to have run the winners closer. An aggregate vote share of 21% on first preferences, and under 30% with second preferences added, will have been at the bottom end of the party's expectations. Reform had topped the poll across Greater Manchester in May's local elections, sweeping dozens of councillors out of office. Though this is by a large margin Reform's strongest ever performance in a Greater Manchester mayoral election, it is only their fifth best performance in all mayoral elections, behind all four of last May's contests. After over a year ahead in the national polls, they will have hoped for better. But there were some consolations for Reform, and concerns for Labour, in the borough-by-borough results. Nigel Farage's party secured over 25% of the vote in five of GM's outer boroughs, and hit 30% in Wigan, Andy Burnham's home borough. That could herald further gains for Reform in next May's local elections, when the party will hope to wrest some of these boroughs out of Labour control. The Greens will also be disappointed. Less than six months after their by-election triumph in Gorton and Denton, they have fallen back into a distant third place with just over 12% of the first preference vote. This is only their sixth best performance in a mayoral election, weaker than results achieved in the West of England, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire when the party was less popular in national polling. One consolation for the Greens will be their second-place finish with 24% in Manchester itself - the party will still hope to cause Bev Craig some headaches in her home borough in local elections next year. This was a disastrous night for the Conservatives, who had come second in all three previous Mayoral races but dropped to fifth place in this one, winning less than 8% of the first preference vote. The Liberal Democrats also had a night to forget, winning under 3% of first preferences, comfortably their worst ever showing in the four mayoral contests to date. The biggest story from the trailing pack was instead Restore Britain, the party founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe in February. Restore came in fourth place overall, beating the Conservatives and winning nearly 9% of first preferences, a remarkable showing for a brand-new party. Restore campaigned as a more uncompromising, hardline version of Reform, and their gains here, as in Makerfield last month, may well have come at Reform's expense. Restore won over 12% in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, all boroughs which featured strong Reform performances in May. The largest by-election in British history did not, in the end, excite Greater Manchester's electors. Turnout across Greater Manchester was a shade over 25%, down nearly seven points on the 2024 figure. This was the lowest figure recorded in GM's four contests, and the third lowest for any combined authority mayoral election. An uncompetitive contest held in the school and university summer holiday season was always going to struggle to engage voters. But with devolution now promoted as a route to political renewal, it will concern the new prime minister that so many in Greater Manchester have greeted the prospect of choosing his replacement with a yawn of indifference. The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open-source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

But, despite walking back on his plans, UEFA has declared a loss of confidence in Infantino, with the Football Association supportive of the stance taken by European football's governing body. FIFA had announced on Tuesday that it was seeking to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would bring together the sale of FIFA's commercial rights - including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing - with the operational delivery of its tournaments. World Cup 2030: Dates, schedule, hosts, stadiums and how qualification worksWorld Cup latest news | Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup Infantino had then given football associations until September 19 to back his proposals to sell off part of FIFA to private investors with a £30.1m incentive to accept. But the controversial proposals received fierce criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF (the North American, Central American and Caribbean association) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Prime Minister Andy Burnham adding his condemnation by calling for "FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance". On Saturday, he told Sky News FIFA's climbdown was "the right decision". A statement from Infantino in the early hours of Saturday read: "The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA member associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. "And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA member associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA council, the confederations and wider stakeholders. "Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place. Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve. "As a result, this proposal will not proceed. Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support." Writing on the AFC website, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa welcomed FIFA's decision to abandon plans to sell a stake in ‌the World Cup. "Any initiative ‌that has the potential to impact global football will be presented and discussed with the confederations, the FIFA council, member associations and other stakeholders in a timely, transparent and meaningful manner," he wrote. "The future of global football must always be shaped through proper consultation, collective dialogue and respect for the established governance structures of our game." 'Approaching game over for Infantino' Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol: "We have passed the tipping point and are approaching game over for Gianni Infantino. This whole disaster has been self-inflicted. "There was no need for him to be in the situation he finds himself in today. He is now losing all his authority and his power. We have had statements from UEFA and other football associations. "Reading between the lines, they are calling for Infantino to resign. They don't want to say it explicitly, no body wants to be the first [to say it]. "They are basically saying it is time to go and they no longer believe in him. This is one scandal too many, especially if you read UEFA's statement. "They have basically said they have lost confidence in Infantino and to hold a review into what has gone on, with no options off the table. "I think by saying no options are off the table, they are saying that they will look for somebody new to take over from Infantino. "He has lost the support of the few backers he had left." 'The task of rebuilding trust in FIFA has only just begun' UEFA welcomed FIFA's decision to ‌abandon its plans, adding ​it would work ‌with partners and stakeholders to ensure such moves cannot be fast-tracked without consultation ​in the future. A UEFA statement read: "UEFA thanks all the fans, leagues, clubs, players, individuals, associations and confederations that opposed the scheme, alongside the many prime ministers, heads of state and commentators who have demonstrated to the FIFA president that football is not for sale. "We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast-track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game. We must identify those responsible and hold them to account. "It is right that, in the coming days and weeks, UEFA will work with its associations and in close cooperation with other confederations to reflect on how this happened and devise a plan to make sure that it cannot occur again. "That review should be thorough and fundamental. No option should be off the table. The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family. "When Gianni Infantino asked for the trust and the votes of FIFA's member associations to elect him as their president in 2016, he said, 'Of course we have to be transparent. I have been this in the last 15 years of my life in UEFA. You will have to play a part every day in the life of FIFA', before telling the assembled stakeholders, 'The money of FIFA is your money. It's not the money of the FIFA president. It's your money. You are the national associations and the money of FIFA has to serve for the development of football and not for anything else'. "On both these promises, he has failed to deliver. The shabby, back-room, opaque deal he hatched and tried to force through was anything but transparent. "And with reserves standing at over $5bn (£3.7bn), he has also failed to use associations' money for the benefit of the game. "UEFA will begin work immediately with partners and stakeholders all over the world and right across the game to propose a new way of distributing resources through the existing FIFA Forward programme. "We must start to use some of that money that is sat idle in FIFA's bank account to deliver the kickstart that the grassroots and the wider game need in each of the 211 countries of FIFA. But we don't need to sell off the family silver to pay for it. "This is a victory for the whole game. But it must not be the end of the story. The proposal has gone. The task of rebuilding trust in FIFA has only just begun." FA and FAW firmly behind UEFA The Football Association has declared its unequivocal backing for the position taken by UEFA. "We fully support UEFA's position," an FA statement read. "It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA's leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations and with the long-term stewardship of football at its heart" The FAW added: "The Football Association of Wales (FAW) supports UEFA's position regarding a robust review of the leadership and governance of FIFA. "FIFA and its members are custodians of the game, responsible for its long-term growth, development and sustainability. This requires leadership that puts our game first in all of our decisions." Sell-off plans condemned Pressure increased on Infantino after Carlos Cordeiro, one of his senior advisors, resigned in protest at the privatisation plan, saying it was a "bad deal for football" and "for the long-term future of the game". In an exclusive statement to Sky News, Cordeiro added: "As a senior advisor to the FIFA president, a former banker and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup. "Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal and I oppose it unequivocally." A second FIFA official - chief operating officer Kevin Lamour - had also said the governing body's staff were "deceived" by Infantino's lack of openness over his plans, and told the Associated Press news agency that staff "deserve better than contempt and intimidation". Lamour called the World Cup plans "the project of one person" and said it was time for football leaders to take action. Cordeiro's resignation and Lamour's comments came after FIFA had released a statement in the early hours of Friday morning insisting "nobody is selling football" amid criticism of its proposals. What were FIFA's World Cup plans? Under the initial proposal to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), football's world governing body aimed to raise up to $4.2bn (£3.1bn) from external investors through the sale of minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE, which it said would be valued at around $20bn (£15bn). The governing body said its plans - which would have required approval from member associations - could deliver more than $10bn in "football development funding" over the next four years. Who could replace Infantino? Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol: There's been talk about the president of Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, one of the most powerful men in world football, who is on the UEFA executive committee. But my understanding is that he is not interested in replacing Infantino. Other candidates are people like Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who came second in the vote to become FIFA president 10 years ago. He's the president of the AFC, who also oppose the sell-off plans. Then there's the president of CONCACAF, Victor Montagliani. We've just had the World Cup in three CONCACAF countries and historically, CONCACAF have been close to Infantino, but they said on Thursday that they rejected the proposal as well. Finally, someone I think would be very popular is Aleksander Ceferin, the president of UEFA. He has a totally different vision about the way football should be run. If he was the president of FIFA, there would be no hydration breaks, no FIFA Peace Prizes, no Qatari-owned private jets for the president, no $1m (£742,000) World Cup tickets. But I don't think Ceferin has ever expressed any desire or interest publicly to replace Infantino. Perhaps we are getting ahead of ourselves. Infantino is under a lot of pressure and it would be fair to say he is fighting for his job, but we are not at the stage where people are going to come out and say they are going to stand against him.

The company co-founded by Nirmal Purja - Elite Exped - has confirmed that the former British Army and Royal Marines soldier has died in Pakistan. Purja, known as Nims, was leading a 10-strong team on the 8,051m Broad Peak in northern Pakistan when the avalanche struck at around midday on Thursday. In a post shared on Instagram, the company said: "Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of this expedition sadly did not survive. "Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy, including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa. "Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones. No words can erase the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve." Broad Peak, in the Karakoram range, is the world's 12th highest mountain. Rescuers had launched a search for the missing climbers and initially found the bodies of four - identifying two of them as Nadhira Al Harthy from Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung "Yukta" from Nepal. A Netflix star who defied the so-called 'death zone' Purja, 43, was a British citizen with an MBE, and one of the world's most renowned climbers. He scaled the world's 14 highest peaks in just six months in 2019, holding a record for the fastest climb until Norwegian climber Kristin Harila beat him four years later. His remarkable feat was the focus of a popular Netflix documentary, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, which showed him powering to the top of the mountains, each with peaks in the so-called "death zone", starting with Annapurna on April 23 2019 and taking in Everest in May and K2 in July. Purja also featured in the Disney+ documentary Finding Michael, after he was enlisted by the former Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews to help recover the body of his brother Michael, the youngest Briton to summit Everest, who disappeared on the mountain in 1999. Matthews shared a photo with the mountaineer on Instagram, calling the news from Broad Peak "heartbreaking". The 37-year-old reality star wrote: "The mountains inspire us with their beauty but they also demand immense respect. "Every person who ventures into that world understands the risks, yet they go anyway, driven by curiosity, purpose, passion, and a deep love for the places few will ever experience." He went on: "The news from Broad Peak is heartbreaking. So many lives, families, friends and teammates now facing unimaginable loss. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. May those who have been lost be remembered not only for how they died, but for how they lived, the courage they showed, and the lives they touched. Rest in peace. To those not yet found, we pray for a miracle." An 'unstoppable spirit' recognised by the late Queen British adventurer Bear Grylls also paid tribute to Purja, writing on Instagram: "Heartbreaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a relationship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you Nims and your unstoppable spirit." Purja, who was born in Nepal, was in the military for 16 years. His website says he was the first Gurkha to join the SBS (Special Boat Service), part of the British special forces. In 2016, he broke mountaineering conventions to rescue a climber left in the "Everest death zone", bringing her to safety alone. He was awarded an MBE by the late Queen in 2018 for his achievement in extreme high-altitude mountaineering, and also held 18 Guinness World Records for his mountaineering feats.

Two notes were sent to a local television station days after the 84-year-old went missing from her home outside Tucson in the US state of Arizona on 1 February. The Pima County Sheriff's Department said it believes "these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognisable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes' writer". The first note demanded $4m (£3m) in bitcoin for Ms Guthrie's release. Here is the text in full: "Hello Savannah, "We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. "We will be holding her for a maximum of 7 days. You will need to send bitcoin in the amount of $4 million USD before 5PM on Thursday the 5th. "If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th. "Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. "If payment is not recieved (sic) by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. "You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you. "She had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard was destroyed." The second note claimed Ms Guthrie had "perished shortly after she was taken". Here is the text in full: "Guthrie Family, "We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. "She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. "Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry." The Pima County Sheriff's Department is urging anyone who may recognise the patterns in the notes to contact them, saying in a statement on Friday: "It is not too late to come forward." It also said two videos recovered from Ms Guthrie's doorbell camera might be from two separate days and indicate an unidentified male preparing ahead of the kidnapping. The FBI has previously released images of a suspect in the case. Authorities are currently seeking information on anyone who behaved differently, changed their physical appearance, suddenly left the Tucson area, or had a noticeable or unexplained interest or disinterest in the case. There has been no sign of Nancy Guthrie since she went missing on 1 February. Her children - including NBC host Savannah - have released emotional appeals, with the TV host directly addressing the kidnapper in a video released earlier this week. "I'm asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now," she said. "Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing."

Andy Burnham has thrown the future of legalising assisted dying into doubt. After telling Sam Coates that he does not want legislation to proceed until social care and palliative care are "fixed". Supporters of the bill insist they are pressing ahead. But has the Prime Minister's intervention made its passage through Parliament far less likely? Sam and Anne examine what Burnham's comments mean for MPs ahead of the crucial September vote. Plus, new polling from POLITICO shows again the 'Burnham bounce' as his approval rating goes up in every demographic, except one - Reform voters. What will this mean in the long term? And, before Sam and Anne take some time off over summer, what do they make of Burnham's first two weeks?

Burnham denounced FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in its competitions - including the World Cup - to private investors when the news first emerged and on Friday said: "The idea that [the plan] could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation." Burnham's criticism came after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) joined UEFA and CONCACAF in its opposition and called for "FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance". In a further damaging development, Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, resigned in protest at the privatisation plan, saying it was a "bad deal for football" and "for the long-term future of the game". In an exclusive statement to Sky News, Cordeiro added: "As a senior advisor to the FIFA president, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup. "Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally." Q&A: Why is UEFA boycotting FIFA tournaments and can it stop Gianni Infantino?World Cup 2030: Dates, schedule, hosts, stadiums and how qualification worksWorld Cup latest news | Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup A second FIFA official - chief operating officer Kevin Lamour - later said the governing body's staff were "deceived" by Infantino's lack of openness over his plans, and told the Associated Press news agency, staff "deserve better than contempt and intimidation". Lamour called the World Cup plans "the project of one person" and said it was time for football leaders to take action. Cordeiro's resignation and Lamour's comments came after FIFA had released a statement in the early hours of Friday morning insisting "nobody is selling football" amid criticism of its proposals. Trump denies Infantino talks United States President Donald Trump has said he did not speak to Infantino about FIFA's hugely controversial plan to sell stakes in a new company that would operate the World Cup. Thrive Eternal, a company founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been earmarked as the lead investor. It has so far declined to comment on the matter. Trump, who was hosting a cabinet meeting at the presidential retreat Camp David on Friday, was asked about whether he had discussed the matter with FIFA president Infantino. "No, I never spoke to him," Trump told reporters. FIFA says 'nobody is selling football' World football's governing body instead hit out at "incorrect media reports" and insisted it would press ahead with a consultation period. FIFA's statement said: "We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday. "We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation. ⁠"Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA has the ability to express its vote based on facts." The statement continued: "FFE has been proposed solely to ensure that all FIFA Member Associations (MAs) have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries, and that this does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself. "Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain." UEFA's 55 member associations said on Thursday they would not participate in any FIFA tournament until the plan was withdrawn. CONCACAF, the confederation representing 41 nations from North and Central America, along with the Caribbean, also made clear its opposition to FIFA's plan, saying it "rejected the proposal". FIFA has promised financial gains for national associations if the commercial entity FFE goes ahead. The plan is supported by an investor group led by Thrive Eternal, founded by Josh Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. But opponents fear that commercial imperatives will drive FIFA to hold bigger and more frequent tournaments in the future, eating even further into domestic schedules. UEFA's opposition to the plan, in its words, is "unanimous and unequivocal". "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership," European football's governing body stated. The AFC had been a big supporter of Infantino up to now but its intervention on Friday marks a shift, with its statement coming close to asking for Infantino to step down. AFC president Sheikh Salman came second behind Infantino in the FIFA presidential election in 2016. A statement said: "The AFC believes this moment must become a catalyst for strengthening institutional reform. While every FIFA MA must have the opportunity to consider and determine proposals affecting the future of world football, meaningful democracy is not measured solely by the opportunity to vote. It begins with transparent governance, timely consultation, informed deliberation and genuine participation throughout the decision-making process. "Accordingly, the AFC calls upon FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework to ensure that proposals of global significance are developed through proper consultation, meaningful engagement and appropriate oversight by FIFA's statutory bodies." Analysis: 'Infantino facing real prospect of losing job' Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol: "A 'catastrophic error of judgment' means Infantino is facing the real prospect of losing his job as FIFA president. "The question on Friday night is whether he is taken out by someone inside or outside FIFA. "Many good people work at FIFA, and they have been as horrified as ordinary football fans about the way Infantino has been running world football. "Such is the strength of feeling about Infantino's secret plan to partly privatise the World Cup that it is debatable whether he could mend his relationships with members of the FIFA Council and his own administration. "They were kept in the dark about his plans and are unlikely to be in the mood to forgive and forget. "Infantino's clandestine sell-off plan is being described as a 'catastrophic error of judgment' by insiders who believe he cannot survive. "Many people who work at FIFA are known to be uncomfortable with a long list of controversial incidents under Infantino, such as the decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play for the United States against Belgium at the World Cup even though he was suspended. "If Infantino refuses to resign, a vote of no confidence could be held at an emergency Congress which could be called with the support of 20 per cent of FIFA's 211 member associations. "What is now clear is that at the very least Infantino will be challenged by one or more other candidates at next year's presidential election - if he clings on to power until March."