‘Hands off our game,’ EU tells FIFA over private investor plans

European Union sports chief Glenn Micallef issued a strong warning to FIFA on Wednesday, urging the international football governing body to "Hands off our game" regarding its plans to sell a stake in its competitions, including the prestigious World Cup. Micallef expressed deep concern over the "relentless commercialisation of football," stating that while commercial success should strengthen the sport, it should not consume it.

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Hands off our game.

FIFA intends to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other tournaments by establishing a semi-private subsidiary. Micallef highlighted that these proposals raise significant "competition law considerations." He pointed out that the top EU court recognizes sporting rules are subject to the bloc's law when they produce economic effects. Consequently, the EU executive will meticulously examine FIFA's plans within its jurisdictional scope.

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The relentless commercialisation of football has become corrosive.

"Particular concern arises when FIFA’s regulatory powers become aligned with the financial interests of private entities," Micallef stated on X. He elaborated that when the value of investments becomes dependent on decisions made by FIFA itself, it raises profound questions about governance, independence, and potential conflicts of interest. The EU's scrutiny signals a potential challenge to FIFA's proposed commercial strategy.

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Commercial success should strengthen football, not consume it.