FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha on November 19, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. - Infantino hit back at Western critics of Qatar's human rights record at his opening press conference of the World Cup on November 19, blasting their "hypocrisy". (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
FIFA Insists Football Is Not for Sale
FIFA has defended its proposal to allow private investors to acquire minority, non‑controlling stakes in a new commercial subsidiary, stressing that the sport is “not for sale.” The statement came after UEFA warned it might boycott future World Cups if the plan is approved.
The world football governing body released the statement on Friday, saying reports that it intended to sell football were inaccurate. FIFA pledged to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any decision is taken and promised an open, democratic process.
Continental Pushback
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, arguing that the World Cup should never be opened to private investment. It described the tournament as a sporting legacy built over generations and warned that no part of it should be surrendered to private owners.
Concacaf, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, said its 41 member associations had rejected the plan, citing insufficient consultation and a short deadline for national associations to respond.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL, the South American governing body, has not yet made its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Threshold
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously told member associations they could receive up to $40 million if they backed the proposal, with an initial $20 million payment available to federations that approve the plan before the 19 September deadline.
Approval would require the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Voices from the Football Community
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership. He said football belongs to the people, not private hands, and stressed the importance of preserving the game’s authenticity and passion.
Alonso added that the emotions generated by competitions such as the World Cup, Champions League and Premier League stem from the sport being accessible to everyone, and he hopes the proposal will be rejected so the game remains attractive and genuine.
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