UEFA has taken aim at FIFA over a reported plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, declaring that football is 'not theirs to sell'. The Champions League organisers issued a strong statement on Tuesday afternoon condemning the proposal, which could see FIFA president Gianni Infantino earn millions if approved.
UEFA's Statement
In a statement, UEFA said: '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.'
FIFA's Plan
Recent reports indicate that FIFA intends to expand football development funding to over $10 billion (£7.49 billion), with that funding available to all 211 member associations. FIFA would remain as majority stakeholder, while private investors would buy 20 to 30 per cent, and member organisations would receive a small stake totalling 20 per cent. The US administration of President Donald Trump has reportedly been consulted on the plan.
The Times reported that one senior figure within the game labelled FIFA's plan as a 'nuclear bomb' for football.
Infantino Under Fire
Gianni Infantino has faced extensive criticism this summer, particularly regarding the World Cup. Supporters criticised him for high ticket prices and for his role in reversing Folarin Balogun's red-card ban after a phone call from US President Trump.
Responding to the backlash, Infantino said: 'You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all. To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at Fifa are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.'
