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FIFA and Infantino receive huge backlash for controversial plan to ‘sell the World Cup’

By AsiaEurope


FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino receive huge backlash for a controversial plan to ‘sell the World Cup’.

The proposal aims to raise billions of pounds, looking at private investment in its competitions via a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise.

But the plan has been met with widespread criticism, with FA having deep concerns and UEFA even threatening to boycott the World Cup, with an emergency meeting of UEFA nations planned this week.

And now, as this story continues to develop, Gianni Infantino has reportedly offered £30million per country, with a letter since leaked.

The leaked letter, which can be read in full here, read: “The decision on whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you.

“Should you wish to proceed this $10b package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.

“Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme [development money] of $2.7b as previously presented.

“In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027 each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40m per member association under this proposal.”

 

UEFA STATEMENT:

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every national football association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.

“None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”

FA STATEMENT:

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

STATEMENT FROM UK PM ANDY BURNHAM:

“Let me say this very directly.

“Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.

“The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.

“Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”

STATEMENT FROM CONCACAF:

“Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release. We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.

“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.

“This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”







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