A Commercial Proposal with controversy
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is earning more and more criticism over a plan that would enable private investors to own a stake in the World Cup. The plan was for FIFA to establish a separate company to run the tournament, but maintain majority control. Private shareholders may hold up to 21% of the new company. Supporters might see it as a means to make more money, but critics think it could affect the non-profit nature of FIFA and commercialize football.
Football Bodies Push Back
UEFA has strongly rejected the proposal and threatened to boycott future FIFA tournaments if it is implemented. Furthermore, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation are against it. These organisations account for a significant proportion of FIFA’s 211 member associations. This may hinder Infantino’s chances for the majority of the members to approve the plan.
Pressure Builds on Infantino
In addition, the backlash has left uncertainty regarding Infantino’s leadership for what lies ahead in the next presidential election at FIFA. But it has been met with criticism even from senior FIFA officials. The row comes as part of a broader conflict over the traditions of football and the increasingly commercial nature of the world’s biggest sporting event, FIFA says it will continue to consult.
