Uefa issues furious statement after reports Fifa plans to sell stakes in World Cup

Uefa has reacted furiously to reports Fifa president Gianni Infantino is planning to sell stakes in the men’s World Cup to investors. Infantino is plotting a scheme whereby Fifa would retain majority control of the World Cup and the rest would be sold, partly to each of Fifa’s 211 national associations, and partly to private investment, according to reports by The Times and Financial Times on Tuesday. The plan could potentially see Infantino installed as the “commissioner” of the World Cup when his Fifa presidency finally ends in 2031, a position which would prove extremely lucrative. Uefa, the governing body of European football and a long-term critic of Infantino, said in a statement: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. “UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. “None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.” more to follow...