Prime Minister Andy Burnham has criticized FIFA's plan to auction off a share of the World Cup to private investors, calling the governing body 'sell outs' in a statement on social media.
The world football governing body's proposal has drawn widespread criticism.
Burnham's Statement
Writing on social media, Burnham said: “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.”
Further details on the development are expected to follow.
