UEFA has issued a strong warning over reports that FIFA president Gianni Infantino is considering opening up stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors, a move that could potentially generate significant financial returns.
The concerns follow FIFA’s announcement on Tuesday that it plans to increase football development funding to more than $10 billion, subject to approval from its member associations.
FIFA said the proposed initiative would provide greater financial support for all 211 member associations, with the governing body maintaining that the plan would benefit football development globally.
However, a report by The Times claimed FIFA is exploring the creation of a new commercial entity that would oversee parts of its business operations, including potential private investment in the World Cup. The report suggested that people linked to the administration of US President Donald Trump had been consulted over the proposal.
UEFA responded sharply to the report, warning that football’s governing structures should not become commercial assets.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes this matter very seriously, and so should every National Football Association,” UEFA said in a statement.
“Every stakeholder—leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments, and anyone invested in the future of the game—should also take this seriously.
“The essence and governance of football are not commodities to be traded, particularly without transparency regarding who benefits financially. None of us own football; it is not FIFA’s to sell.”
The Times further reported that Infantino could assume a leadership role within the proposed company after his FIFA presidency ends, potentially serving as commissioner once his current term expires.
FIFA has denied that Infantino’s future involvement in the venture has been discussed, insisting that it would retain control over football governance, competitions, and sporting decisions.
