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)
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
Voices from Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
Approval would require the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Voices from Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the body added.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
FIFA argues the structure would let member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving the organization’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the body added.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
Under the plan, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling shares.
FIFA argues the structure would let member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving the organization’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the body added.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
Under the plan, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling shares.
FIFA argues the structure would let member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving the organization’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the body added.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
FIFA dismissed reports suggesting it intended to sell football, pledging to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any final decision.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired publicly and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” the statement said. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure each member association can vote based on facts. Nobody is selling football; this is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”
Details of the FIFA Forward Enterprise Proposal
Under the plan, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling shares.
FIFA argues the structure would let member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving the organization’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the body added.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
FIFA Defends Position Amid Growing Opposition
FIFA has reiterated that football “is not for sale” while defending a proposal to let private investors acquire minority stakes in a new commercial arm that would manage its flagship tournaments.
The governing body issued the statement on Friday after UEFA warned it might boycott future World Cups if the plan proceeds. Concacaf also announced that its 41 member associations have rejected the idea.
FIFA dismissed reports suggesting it intended to sell football, pledging to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any final decision.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired publicly and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” the statement said. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure each member association can vote based on facts. Nobody is selling football; this is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”
Details of the FIFA Forward Enterprise Proposal
Under the plan, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling shares.
FIFA argues the structure would let member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving the organization’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the body added.
Continental Bodies Voice Concerns
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA stated. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.”
Concacaf echoed these worries, noting its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline given to national associations.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Voting Requirements
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 Football Figures
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said. “The way we love it is this way, and we have seen a great World Cup. It’s good to defend the interests of all the people.”
He added that the sport’s authenticity lies in being shared by everyone, a feeling that creates the passion seen in competitions ranging from the World Cup to the Premier League.
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