Gary Lineker has become the latest high-profile figure to criticise FIFA president Gianni Infantino over plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The proposals involve selling shares of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would govern the men's and women's World Cups as well as the Club World Cup.
The plans have drawn widespread condemnation, with UEFA, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and now Lineker speaking out against the move. FIFA has reportedly consulted advisors including J.P. Morgan and OpenEconomics, as well as long-term investors. US President Donald Trump is also said to have been consulted.
UEFA's strong rebuke
UEFA issued a forceful statement, saying: "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."
Lineker and Burnham react
Lineker shared a BBC report of UEFA's statement on his Instagram story, captioning it: "Nothing surprises me anymore" alongside a sick face emoji. Burnham also took to social media, writing: "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."
Infantino under fire
The controversy adds to criticism of Infantino during and after this summer's World Cup. Lineker had previously described the FIFA president's position as "almost untenable" following the overturning of Folarin Balogun's red card. The USA striker's suspension was rescinded after a telephone conversation with Trump, allowing him to play in the knockout match against Belgium.
Speaking on the Rest is Football, Alan Shearer said: "FIFA have brought all this on themselves. How on earth does (Jarrell) Quansah now get two games, Balogun got one suspended and got it taken away, yet Quansah now has to miss if England get through the two games? It's absolutely scandalous. Such a bad look." Lineker added: "I think his position at FIFA now is almost untenable."
