World football’s governing body, FIFA, has come under fresh scrutiny following reports that its president, Gianni Infantino, is considering selling stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors as part of efforts to unlock new sources of revenue.
According to the reports, the proposal has sparked discussions with several investment groups, including individuals believed to have close ties to the administration of former United States President Donald Trump. The reported plan is aimed at expanding the commercial value of FIFA’s flagship tournament.
The move, however, has drawn a swift response from UEFA, which firmly rejected the idea of treating the World Cup as a commercial asset.
In a strongly worded statement, the European football governing body argued that the World Cup is not FIFA’s to sell, stressing that the sport belongs to the global football community rather than any single organisation.
READ ALSO:Â FIFA Unveils First-Ever Championship Rings For World Cup Winners
UEFA further urged national football associations, domestic leagues, clubs, players, supporters and governments to closely monitor the situation, warning that the governance and integrity of football should never be compromised for commercial interests.
The organisation added that no individual or institution could claim ownership of the game, emphasising that football’s future should remain protected from decisions driven solely by financial considerations.
FIFA has yet to announce any formal agreement regarding the reported investment proposal. Nevertheless, the reports have already triggered widespread debate across the football world over the potential implications of private investment in the sport’s biggest tournament.