RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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While European football stands united in opposition to FIFA’s latest multi-billion-dollar commercial scheme, one prominent member association boss has chosen to take a very different stance.
The general consensus on FIFA’s $20 billion commercial spinoff is simple: if money talks, Gianni Infantino has turned the volume up to maximum, while Europe has hit the mute button.
FIFA’s non-European federations are practically drooling over promised $20 million development payouts, viewing the private equity cash-in as a windfall.
Meanwhile, UEFA, European clubs, and fans are horrified, insisting the “soul of football isn’t for sale”.
In short: F IFA wants to sell a slice of its World Cup pie to Wall Street to enrich smaller nations, while Europe fears private investors will turn the beautiful game into a corporate cash grab.
Czech Republic voice their support for the new FIFA plan
In an interview with Sky News, the president of the Czech Republic football association, David Trunda, has backed Gianni Infantino ‘s World Cup rights sale.
“I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with [FIFA president] Gianni Infantino and his team.
“Of course, we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions.
“I was elected a little more than a year ago, and for me personally, all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European football.”
This won’t be the first nation to step forward and voice their support. Just think of small nations like Gibraltar who could really benefit from a $20 million investment coming their way.
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