UEFA has expressed strong opposition to reports suggesting FIFA President Gianni Infantino is planning to sell stakes in the men's World Cup to investors. The European football governing body stated that such a move 'crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross'.
According to reports by The Times and Financial Times, Infantino's scheme would see FIFA maintain majority control of the World Cup, with remaining stakes sold partly to FIFA's 211 national associations and partly to private investment. The plan could also potentially position Infantino as the World Cup 'commissioner' after his FIFA presidency concludes in 2031.
In a statement, UEFA, a long-term critic of Infantino, emphasised: "The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially." They added, "None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell."