Value for money vs. value of sport

FIFA is proposing the creation of a commercial subsidiary to attract private investors, who would hold minority stakes but help increase the financial resources available to national federations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino hails this as a "golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally."

However, UEFA, the governing body for European national football federations, has unequivocally rejected the plan. UEFA stated, "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product... No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale." UEFA and other national football federations are reportedly angered by FIFA's perceived lack of consultation before formally announcing the idea, feeling it was developed secretly and intended to be imposed upon them.

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The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product... No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.

While acknowledging that sport is a massive business generating billions through ticket sales, endorsements, sponsorships, and merchandising, the article distinguishes between commercial hype and the proposed deal. UEFA and others fear that handing over control of the game's finances to "ruthless financiers" could gradually exclude players, coaches, clubs, and local supporters. UEFA desires the game to remain a unifying factor among all stakeholders.

The article notes that FIFA and Infantino have approached the issue with arrogance, and UEFA's miffed reaction is justified. It suggests that while change is inevitable, the secretive manner in which FIFA broached this radical financial restructuring was undignified. A more open and frank discussion among all stakeholders was necessary for such a significant change in the game's financial structure, although the core issue of financing the sport remains critical.

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the “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”