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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
FIFA World Cup sale proposal faces global backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup has been widely condemned -Credit:DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images
FIFA's plan, spearheaded by president Gianni Infantino, to sell stakes in the World Cup has faced almost universal criticism.
It represents the latest power play from Infantino, with the FIFA President seeking to transfer portions of its soccer competitions - with the World Cup being the primary attraction - to private investors through associates of U.S. President Donald Trump .
Supporters, lawmakers, and regional governing bodies have condemned the initiative , orchestrated by a figure whose standing throughout the sport is at an all-time low following a World Cup that charged supporters massive fees and disregarded rules of the game to stage a halftime performance in the World Cup Final, as per The Mirror .
-Credit:Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images
Infantino is attempting to sway federation leaders, whose backing he requires, by pledging $20 million in funding will be provided to all FIFA nations to 'develop the game' if and when the agreement is finalized.
In a display of authority, bordering on dictatorship, Infantino has declared that anyone who is not aligned with his proposition will receive reduced funding, effectively establishing a two-tier structure.
FIFA did not introduce the landmark plan during sessions with soccer associations in New York on the eve of the World Cup Final, causing astonishment among those involved. Soccer's governing body would maintain oversight of the venture, but extend minority ownership in it to private investors to generate up to $4.2 billion.
But the proposal has been rejected by organizations including UEFA , CONCACAF, AFC, and U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham - while the English FA have stated they are "deeply concerned" but reserved the right to elaborate further down the line.
British Prime Minister criticizes 'sell outs'
Burnham, the new Labour leader, has been working to win over the public during his first weeks in office, and declaring that soccer "belongs to the fans" is an effective opening move.
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He posted on X: "Let me say this very directly. Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.
"The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone's to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will."
English FA responds
The English FA have adopted a more cautious stance, and acknowledged they possess only minimal information on which to base their response. They've in no way endorsed FIFA's scheme but have indicated they will provide more comprehensive commentary once the proposal is fully disclosed.
An FA statement read: "We were completely unaware of this proposal and no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
"Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved. When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further."
UEFA, led by Aleksander Čeferin, has come out strongly against Infantino's plans -Credit:Nicolò Campo, LightRocket via Getty Images
UEFA - FIFA at loggerheads
UEFA's stance couldn't be firmer, and the relationship between the two governing bodies has deteriorated considerably in recent years. As the most powerful continental federation, UEFA boasts flagship properties such as the Champions League.
President Aleksander Čeferin refused to attend the World Cup Final following a string of disputes with Infantino over disciplinary procedures, refereeing logistics, and match operations.
In an official statement, UEFA declared: "This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously.
"So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell."
According to Sky News, European nations are considering a World Cup boycott should Infantino press forward with his plans to sell a stake in FIFA to private investors.
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CONCACAF and AFC's strong stance
The governing body of North America and the Caribbean, CONCACAF, ultimately handed over their countries so that FIFA could stage the biggest World Cup in history — but they haven't held back in blasting the global organization.
"Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release," their statement read. "We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
"We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place."
Asian football's governing body, the AFC, echoed these concerns, stating: "The AFC was not consulted on the proposal and is disappointed that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before the AFC family had been afforded the opportunity to examine and discuss it th...
FIFA World CupUEFACONCACAFAFCFIFA'sWorld CupFIFA President Gianni InfantinoCreditDeFodi ImagesGetty ImagesFIFAGianni Infantino
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