Australia's players union slams FIFA's World Cup 'for sale' plan

Australia's players union has strongly criticized FIFA's proposal to involve private investors in the World Cup and other major events. Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) stated on Thursday that the plan puts pressure on member associations to approve it without adequate consideration for the athletes and fans who create the tournaments' value.

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The PFA is disturbed by the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal and the absence of meaningful consultation with those that generate the value that FIFA is seeking to exploit - the players and the fans.

The PFA expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and consultation surrounding the proposal. "At a time when football desperately requires greater transparency, accountability and good governance, proposals of this significance raise questions about who the game is run by and in whose interests," the union said in a statement. "These tournaments should not be for sale."

The global players union, FIFPRO, also warned that the plan would permanently alter the dynamics of the competitions. FIFA aims to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes in a new subsidiary that would manage the World Cup and other events, promising a substantial funding increase for member associations.

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At a time when football desperately requires greater transparency, accountability and good governance, proposals of this significance raise questions about who the game is run by and in whose interests.

While many regional confederations and national associations were reportedly surprised by the plan, only Europe's UEFA has outright rejected it. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated the proposal is not mandatory and is part of a consultation process. He offered member associations $40 million each if they accepted the plan by September 19, a significant increase from a previous offer of $2.7 billion if rejected.

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These tournaments should not be for sale.

The PFA also raised concerns about the tight timeline for considering a proposal with "profound and irreversible consequences" for the ownership and governance of football's premier competitions. Australia's football association is seeking more details from FIFA before taking a position, while other confederations, like Africa's, are scheduled to discuss the proposal soon. Some, like the Czech FA, have indicated potential positive impacts.

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We are equally concerned about the pressure being placed on Member Associations, including Football Australia, to expeditiously consider this proposal when it will have profound and irreversible consequences for the ownership and governance of football's premier competitions.