FIFA's Stake Sale Plan Faces Global Backlash from Football

FIFA's reported plan to sell a stake in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup and other competitions through a semi-private subsidiary has sparked widespread criticism from various football stakeholders. UEFA stated that football's governance and integrity should not be treated as commercial assets, emphasizing that "the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade." CONCACAF expressed concern over the lack of consultation in the proposal.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, Vice President of the German Football Association and president of Borussia Dortmund, described the plan as an attack on football, stating that European football must unite against it. Javier Tebas, president of Spain’s La Liga, accused FIFA of politicizing football's future.

The English Football Association and French Football Federation also raised concerns about the process and lack of involvement of national associations. Sepp Blatter criticized the close financial ties between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump.

European Union Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef warned against aligning FIFA's regulatory powers with private financial interests.