Uefa condemns Fifa over £7.5bn private investment plan for World Cup
European football’s governing body Uefa has reacted with fury to proposals from Fifa seeking private investment in the World Cup.
The global governing body intends to expand its football development funding to more than £7.5bn in a controversial bid to grow the game.
However, this sweeping financial move remains subject to approval by member associations across the globe.
Financial controversy surrounds Infantino
The proposed structural changes were initially brought to light by reports in the Financial Times and the Times.
Claims suggest these new commercial avenues could potentially earn president Gianni Infantino tens of millions of pounds personally.
This lucrative prospect has alarmed leaders within the European game, prompting an unprecedented public rebuke.
Tournament ‘not for sale’
A strongly worded statement from the European organisation made their staunch opposition to the commercialisation of international tournaments perfectly clear.
This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross.
Uefa
Officials further emphasised that the sport’s most prestigious international competition cannot be treated as a privately owned commercial asset.
None of us are the owners of football. [The World Cup] is not Fifa’s to sell.
Uefa