FIFA's proposal to sell minority stakes in the World Cup to private investors has drawn near-universal criticism from politicians, football associations, and continental governing bodies. The plan, spearheaded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to raise up to $4.2 billion by offloading parts of the organisation's competitions to associates of US President Donald Trump.
Infantino has attempted to win support from national federations by promising £15 million in funding to each FIFA member country to 'develop the game' if the deal goes through. However, he has also warned that those opposing the plan could receive reduced funding, creating a two-tier system. The strategy was not raised during meetings in New York on the eve of the World Cup final, surprising many association leaders.
Political Backlash
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham strongly criticised the move on X, stating: "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."
FA Expresses Concern
The Football Association adopted a more measured tone, saying it had only limited information. 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 Condemns Proposal
UEFA, whose relations with FIFA have soured in recent years, issued a strongly worded statement. "This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously," it said. "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." Sky News reported that European nations are considering boycotting the World Cup if Infantino pushes ahead with the plan.
CONCACAF and AFC Respond
CONCACAF, the governing body for North America and the Caribbean, said it was "only made aware of this matter through media reports" and expressed "deep concern by the lack of due process." The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) echoed those 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 through the appropriate and established governance channels. While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can strengthen the future of global football, initiatives of this scale and consequence must be founded upon the principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation."
