In brief
FIFA has announced plans to secure private investment for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to raise over £7.5bn for global football development. The European governing body UEFA has responded with fury, arguing that the competition is not a commercial product to be sold. Headlines from The Times claim the move could net FIFA president Gianni Infantino substantial earnings, fueling further controversy. UEFA’s statement underscores that football and its tournaments belong to the sport, not to any single organization.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, has expressed fury after FIFA revealed plans to bring private investors into its competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA says it hopes to raise more than £7.5bn ($10bn) for worldwide development, pending approval from national associations, but critics say the proposal crosses a line that football governing bodies should never cross.
The Times reported that the scheme could allow FIFA president Gianni Infantino to earn tens of millions of pounds, sparking further backlash.
UEFA’s statement was blunt: “None of us own football. The World Cup is not something FIFA sells.”
