The Future of the FIFA World Cup Under Threat

UEFA has strongly reacted to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. According to a report by The Times, a UK-based media outlet, Infantino has been in talks with investors close to the administration of US President Donald Trump, which could have a devastating impact on football. In a statement, UEFA said, 'This crosses a line that the governing bodies of football should never cross. UEFA takes this very seriously, as do all national football associations, all stakeholders: leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and everyone concerned with the future of the game. The soul and management of football are not assets to be bought and sold with zero transparency over who is financially benefiting. None of us own football. This is not something that FIFA can sell.' The report suggests that Infantino's plan would lead to the establishment of a new company that would control FIFA's top-tier men's and women's tournaments, the World Cup and the Club World Cup. Sources also claim that the 56-year-old Infantino is preparing to run the new company as a 'commissioner' once his current presidential term ends.