UEFA warns FIFA against selling World Cup stakes

UEFA has issued a stern warning to FIFA, asserting that "there are limits that football institutions must never cross" regarding plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. The warning comes after The Times reported that FIFA intends to create a new company to manage the world's premier international football tournament, a move that could generate tens of millions of pounds for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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This crosses a line that no football institution should ever cross. UEFA takes this matter very seriously, as should every national federation. And as should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and anyone who cares about the future of the sport.

UEFA expressed serious concern, stating, "This crosses a line that no football institution should ever cross." The organization emphasized that "the soul and governance in football are not assets to be traded, especially when there is zero transparency about who benefits economically." UEFA stressed that "none of us own football. It is not FIFA's job to sell."

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The soul and governance in football are not assets to be traded, especially when there is zero transparency about who benefits economically. None of us own football. It is not FIFA's job to sell.

The proposed plan, according to The Times, would involve a company overseeing the men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup. It could also pave the way for expanding the number of teams and increasing the tournament's frequency. If approved, each of FIFA's 211 member nations would receive a stake in this company, with the option to keep or sell it. Infantino, whose FIFA presidency extends until 2031, could potentially head this new company after his term.

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FIFA is always looking for innovative projects that can improve the development of football around the world and is always open to reviewing proposals.

FIFA, in response, stated it is "always looking for innovative projects that can improve the development of football around the world" and is "always open to reviewing proposals." The organization confirmed it has begun a consultation process, with President Infantino emphasizing on July 18th the priority of unlocking commercial potential post-2026 World Cup. FIFA maintains that decisions are made democratically and that any received proposal will be analyzed and presented to the 211 federations and the FIFA Council for a final decision.

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The priority now is to unlock the commercial potential after the 2026 World Cup.