Gianni Infantino has sparked fury with his World Cup investment proposal (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
The FA have issued a statement expressing their “deep concern” over Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell off the World Cup. It emerged on Tuesday that FIFA were planning to welcome third-party investment in order to expand “football development funding”. Infantino is eager to establish a commercial subsidiary to oversee major competitions, selling shares to private investors and national member associations.
It’s also been reported that Infantino stands to pocket millions from private investors. The proposal has been met with widespread outrage, with UEFA accusing FIFA of “crossing the line” in a strongly-worded statement. Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister, declared the governing body had “sold out” and insisted that football should belong to the fans, not FIFA.
The FA have now made their position clear in a statement published on Wednesday.
It reads: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”
Alongside the FA and UEFA, CONCACAF – the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football – have added their voice to the growing chorus of criticism.
“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” they said.
“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.
UEFA issued a strongly-worded statement in response to FIFA’s plans (Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.
“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship. This is the framework within which CONCACAF operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”
UEFA are set to convene emergency discussions on Wednesday and may consider severing ties with FIFA competitions in what would represent a seismic shift for the sport.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” the European governing body declared.
“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.”
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