FIFA’s World Cup plan increases tension with UEFA: ‘Football is not something to be sold’

A plan allegedly prepared by FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the future of organizations such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup has escalated the tension between UEFA and FIFA.

According to a report by the British newspaper The Times, Infantino is working on establishing a new company to control FIFA’s most valuable tournaments and opening the shares of this company to private investors. The report claimed that Infantino has also held meetings with figures close to the administration of US President Donald Trump as part of his search for investment.

It is stated that if the plan is implemented, radical changes could be on the agenda regarding the management and revenue models of organizations such as the men’s and women’s World Cup and the Club World Cup.

UEFA: A LINE THAT SHOULD NOT BE CROSSED

UEFA reacted harshly to the allegations, stating that football’s governing bodies consider such a move unacceptable. The statement said, “This crosses a line that football’s governing bodies should never cross. UEFA takes this extremely seriously. Every national football association does too. Leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and everyone who cares about the future of the game do as well.”

The statement drew attention to the influence of private investors on football, using the words, “The spirit and governance of football are not assets to be bought and sold, especially with zero transparency regarding who is profiting financially. None of us are the owners of football. This is not something that FIFA can sell.”

According to the plan reported by The Times, it is envisioned that each of the 211 national federations that are members of FIFA will be given shares worth approximately 20 million dollars. Federations would be able to hold these shares or sell them to private investors to generate income.

The report also included the claim that 56-year-old Infantino could take over the planned company as “commissioner” after his term at FIFA ends. While the plan has not yet been implemented, UEFA’s outburst has sparked a new debate in the global governance of football.

News Source: 12punto