&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Plan 'crossed the line': FIFA faces backlash over proposal to sell part of World Cup business")
FIFA has received massive backlash over its latest proposal to sell off part of its World Cup business to private investors, with UEFA, AFC and the English FA coming down hard on football’s governing body. On Tuesday, FIFA said it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise $4.2 billion later this year by 'carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests'. Several reports suggest that the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, also sent a letter to all associations, saying that they will pocket $40 million for backing this plan, but must sign up by September 19.
"In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027, each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40 million per member association under this proposal," said Infantino.
The Times, which broke the story first on Tuesday, said the sources opposed the plan and labelled it ‘pure bribery’. While UEFA issued a blunt statement regarding this proposed plan and was due to hold an emergency meeting later on Wednesday, the English FA and Asian football body condemned this idea, fearing the worst for the most-loved global sport.
Also read| Look Away Real Madrid Fans: Bayern CEO dismisses Olise transfer, brands Diaz sale ‘Foolish’
"Many in European football see FIFA's plans as an outright attack on football. I share this view. A line has been crossed here," Hans-Joachim Watzke, a vice-president of UEFA's executive committee, told Germany's Kicker.
‘None of Us Are Owners of Football’
Trending Stories
)
'First dumb AI': Meta AI blocks Indian PM Modi's video in his own country, allows abuse ads and deletes livelihoods without explanation
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
'Broader struggle for democracy...': Greta Thunberg joins Indian students protest in London - What she said
)
Iran launches first attack on US forces since Trump halted strikes, missiles intercepted
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
'Why so much hate?' Netanyahu breaks silence on New York visit amid Mamdani's arrest threat
)
5 Overs, 5 Wickets and ZERO Runs: Justin Greaves bowls world record spell against Pakistan| WATCH
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
Russia-Ukraine War: Putin's big warning amid Ukraine war escalation
)
Mumbai's elite clubs under scanner: FDA suspends food licences of five iconic clubs over serious hygiene violations
)
Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 7: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings
)
3.6mn people track 24hr Qantas flight from Melbourne to Toulouse: Pilot shifts, fuel tank and other details
)
Flesh Impact: Dakota Johnson transforms as Marilyn Monroe for Maggie Gyllenhaal's short film | See pics
)
69th Grammy Awards: BTS decline music submissions after Recording Academy introduces Asian Pop category
)
₹16 crore Dehradun bridge approach road collapses just 17 days after inauguration, repaired within 12 hours
)
Assam flood toll rises to 75 as seven drown in Sivasagar; CM Himanta announces ₹9 lakh aid for victims' families
)
North Korean colonel killed by firing squad for stealing grain as 'deeply shaken' officers watched
)
After BTS' Grammys boycott, HYBE breaks silence: 'This is not a boycott at the company level'
)
Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Ojani Noa claims he confronted Sean 'Diddy' Combs over alleged affair
)
Was stone-laden truck planted at Jantar Mantar before CJP march? Delhi Police reveals truth about ‘conspiracy’ claim
)
Giant iceberg flips violently near Greenland exposing its underside - 'I didn't know they could do that'
)
Cat’s bizarre reaction before Japan earthquake goes viral: Did it detect the tremors?
)
‘Dangerous escalation’: US, Saudi strike Iran-backed group in Iraq; at least 20 killed
)
Assam floods 2026: Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt and other Bollywood celebrities extend support to affected families
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most Test runs in IND vs SL
)
You are a 'Naked Official' in China if you hold high posts and have children or spouse abroad. What about India?
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Alert for torrential rains across Jammu division; flash flood risk over next five days
)
‘Unparliamentary language’: Rahul Gandhi sparks uproar in Lok Sabha over ‘idiot’ remark
)
He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning
)
Trump pops THIS, then appears to doze off at Lindsey Graham’s funeral: Watch
)
Watch a SpaceX rocket crash into the moon at 8,750 km/hr on THIS day
)
Netanyahu tells Trump Israel may have 'no choice' but to strike Iran again: Report
UEFA, which has regularly criticised Infantino, said the plan "crosses a line".
"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."
The European Union made no bones about its disdain for the plan.
"Hands off our game," Glenn Micallef, the EU commissioner for Sport, posted on X.
On the other hand, CONCACAF, which governs North and Central American football, said it was "deeply concerned by the lack of due process". The Asian Football Confederation also said it was "disappointed" it had not been consulted.
Meanwhile, the plan would still have to be approved by the 38-member FIFA Council and the majority of its 211 member associations (MAs). FIFA said it intends to present the plans to the council soon.
