A major controversy has erupted over FIFA’s plan to sell the ownership or stake of its tournaments to private investors. The European football governing body UEFA has strongly opposed FIFA’s move and has threatened to boycott all FIFA tournaments if the plan is not scrapped.
UEFA and its 55 member associations held an emergency meeting and jointly rejected FIFA’s decision. The Football Association of England has also extended its full support to UEFA.
According to UEFA, the FIFA World Cup is the result of the sacrifices of players and fans, and it will not be allowed to be commercialized.
UEFA has alleged that FIFA took this decision secretly without consulting anyone, calling it a highly irresponsible act.
It is notable that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has set up a business entity called ‘FIFA Forward Enterprise’ and wants to sell stakes in major tournaments like the World Cup to a US-based venture capital firm ‘Thrive Eternal’.
To get support for this plan, Infantino has reportedly offered $40 million to each member association as an incentive.
Following UEFA’s strong stance, world football is now facing a major crisis.
