FIFA World Cup sale plan faces backlash as FA and UEFA demand transparency

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plans to essentially sell off the World Cup emerged on Tuesday -Credit:Carl Recine, Getty Images

The English Football Association has issued a statement declaring it is 'deeply concerned' by Gianni Infantino's proposals to commercialize the World Cup . FIFA announced on Tuesday — following leaked reports of its intentions — that it planned to expand 'football development funding' to more than $10billion by opening up its competitions, including the World Cup, to third-party investment.

Reports suggest that Infantino stands to personally profit substantially from private investors. European confederation UEFA released a strongly worded statement accusing FIFA of 'crossing the line', while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham declared that FIFA had 'sold out'.

The FA have now weighed in with a statement published on Wednesday, via The Mirror , which read: "We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

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"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."

Alongside UEFA, CONCACAF - the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football - has joined the chorus of criticism. "CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release," it began.

"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.

"As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.

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"This is the framework within which CONCACAF operates. We trust that all within the Fifa family will act in the same manner."

UEFA is set to hold emergency talks on Wednesday and could deliberate over breaking away from FIFA competitions in what would be a seismic move. "This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," the European body stated.

"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."

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