Global outrage greets FIFA’s plan to sell stake in World Cup rights

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's reported plan to sell a stake in the commercial operations of the World Cup and other competitions through a semi-private subsidiary has ignited global outrage and opposition from various football stakeholders.

“

The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade, especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us is the owner of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.

Organizations like UEFA and CONCACAF have expressed deep concern, warning that the move could undermine football's governance, transparency, and independence. UEFA stated that football's governance and integrity are not commercial assets to be traded, especially without transparency regarding financial beneficiaries. CONCACAF cited a lack of due process and consultation as a major concern.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, Vice President of the German Football Association and president of Borussia Dortmund, labeled the plan an "absolute attack on football," asserting that a line has been crossed. He emphasized the significant weight European football carries if it stands united against such proposals.

“

We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

La Liga president Javier Tebas accused FIFA of using football's future for political purposes, comparing the plan to an electoral campaign financed by the sport's future. He argued that development should not be used to buy votes or silence dissent, and that FIFA's commercial rights are not Infantino's personal property.

“

Many in European football see FIFA’s plans as an absolute attack on football. I share this view. A line has been crossed here.

The English Football Association also questioned the process, expressing deep concern over the lack of governance and the principles involved. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, noted that national associations were not adequately involved in discussions, leaving them unable to comment on fundamental issues. Even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized the move, alleging a damaging financial dimension to the relationship between Infantino and former US President Donald Trump, stating no one has the right to sell the game.

“

It doesn’t seem like a reform. It seems like an electoral campaign financed with the future of football. Development cannot be used to buy votes or silences. The competitions and commercial rights of FIFA are not the personal patrimony of Infantino.