FIFA Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup Draws UEFA Backlash

FIFA has proposed selling stakes of up to 20 percent in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, a move that European football body UEFA said would prioritize profit over the sport's integrity. The plan, which would spin off commercial rights into a semi-private company, has triggered fierce criticism from UEFA, which accused FIFA of 'selling football' and warned that it could create conflicts between investors' profit motives and FIFA's regulatory role. UEFA argues that such a structure would undermine FIFA's duty as the impartial guardian of the sport. The proposal, announced by football's world governing body, aims to generate significant revenue but has been met with skepticism from national associations and leagues concerned about transparency and governance. Critics fear that selling off a portion of the World Cup's commercial rights could dilute FIFA's control and lead to decisions driven by shareholder returns rather than the sport's broader interests. FIFA has not yet provided details on potential investors or the timeline for the plan. The dispute highlights growing tensions between FIFA and UEFA over the direction of global football governance, with European officials increasingly wary of initiatives that could shift power away from traditional confederations. UEFA's strong opposition signals a potential battle ahead as FIFA seeks to reshape revenue streams ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.