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 the potential sale of stakes in the World Cup. The European football governing body reacted after The Times reported that FIFA plans to sell shares in the world's premier international football tournament, a move expected to generate tens of millions of dollars.

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

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

According to The Times, this initiative could lead to the creation of a new company to manage the men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup. Such a structure might also pave the way for future expansion of participating teams and more frequent tournaments, deviating from the current four-year cycle.

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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.

FIFA, in response, stated that it is "always in search of innovative projects that can improve the development of football around the world and is always open to reviewing proposals that are put forward." The organization confirmed it is initiating a consultation process. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose term extends until 2031, reportedly could head this new company after his presidency.

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FIFA always is in the search of innovative projects that can improve the development of football around the world and is always open to reviewing proposals that are put forward. Now we are starting a process of consultation.

FIFA further explained that the priority, as mentioned by Infantino on July 18th during a meeting with member federations, is to "unlock commercial potential after the 2026 World Cup." Under the proposed plan, each of FIFA's 211 member nations would receive a stake in the new company, with the option to retain or sell it.

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As said the president of FIFA the past 18 July during a meeting with all the member federations, the priority now is to unleash the commercial potential after the World Cup 2026.