Xabi Alonso: Chelsea coach speaks out on FIFA proposal

Xabi Alonso, the Spanish manager of Chelsea and a 2010 World Cup winner as a player, has voiced strong opposition to FIFA's proposed move towards private investment in football. Speaking from Sydney during Chelsea's preseason tour, Alonso stated, "Football must belong to the public and not fall under the control of private interests." He expressed a widely held sentiment among football stakeholders: "We want this sport to remain a common good, accessible to all and owned by everyone. Therefore, I hope it does not happen."

Alonso emphasized the importance of preserving the sport's core appeal. "I hope we manage to preserve what makes our sport attractive and authentic," he added. "It is precisely this authenticity that generates the emotions and passions during the World Cup, the Champions League, or the Premier League. Because this sport belongs to everyone."

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Football must belong to the public and not fall under the control of private interests. I believe that all football stakeholders share the same sentiment: we want this sport to remain a common good, accessible to all and owned by everyone. Therefore, I hope it does not happen.

The FIFA project, revealed earlier this week, plans to establish a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This company would manage FIFA's commercial activities, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing, as well as major events like the World Cup and Club World Cup. While private investors could acquire minority stakes, reportedly around 20%, FIFA insists it would retain "exclusive authority" over football's governance, competitions, calendar, and regulations.

Despite significant criticism, particularly from UEFA, FIFA reaffirmed its intention to proceed with the plan on Friday, citing the potential for substantial financial revenue. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between commercial interests and the traditional ethos of football as a sport for the people.

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I hope we manage to preserve what makes our sport attractive and authentic. It is precisely this authenticity that generates the emotions and passions during the World Cup, the Champions League, or the Premier League. Because this sport belongs to everyone.