Grafström has worked with FIFA President Gianni Infantino for many years and is described as Infantino's right-hand man. In a lengthy internal memo to the organisation's employees, Grafström writes about the twists and turns surrounding the plan to sell World Cup shares to private investors and the storm of criticism that followed.
"We have all been thrown into chaos that is difficult to understand and accept. But as Secretary General, I urge you to continue to focus on what has always united us: serving football and our 211 member associations, side by side with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with FIFA's statutes and regulations."
Grafström's call
Grafström promises employees that they will be protected from the political situation FIFA is currently in and that they do not need to worry.
"Individuals, turbulent periods and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and responsibility towards world football remain. Therefore, we must remain calm," Grafström writes in the message, which has also been shared by the French RMC Sport.
Wenger distances himself
Former coach and now FIFA's head of global football development Arsène Wenger says the scrapped plans were "absolutely necessary".
"The recent events within FIFA deserve a clarification from me. I was not involved in this strategic plan and only learned about the project through media reports. I firmly believe in the importance of an independent FIFA that serves football with commitment, transparency and integrity," he says.
The Swedish Football Association announced on Monday that it does not support Infantino for re-election.
