UEFA hit back at FIFA plan to SELL World Cup in bitter war of words

UEFA have taken aim at FIFA and said that football is ‘not theirs to sell’ in the face of their outrageous plan. Recent reports have suggested that world football’s governing body is planning on selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The scheme could see FIFA president Gianni Infantino earn millions if a deal is rubber-stamped. The administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly been consulted.

And while the plan is still being mulled over by those within the organisation, it has not gone down well within UEFA.

A statement from the Champions League organisers on Tuesday afternoon read: “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.”

FIFA have already explained their plan in detail. In a statement, they confirmed that FIFA intends to expand football development funding to over $10 billion (£7.49 billion). That funding would then be available to all 211 associations that are members of FIFA.

FIFA would remain as majority stakeholders in the World Cup, with private investors buying 20 to 30 per cent, and the member organisations would receive a small stake totalling 20 per cent.

The Times has reported that one senior figure within the game has labelled FIFA’s plan as a "nuclear bomb" for the game.

FIFA President Infantino has regularly courted controversy this summer, particularly when it comes to the World Cup. Supporters took aim at him for the sky-high ticket prices during the tournament.

He was also criticised for his role in the decision to reverse Folarin Balogun’s ban for a red card. The American forward was initially suspended after being sent off, only for that decision to be reversed following a phone call from US President Trump.

On the criticism he faced, Infantino said : “You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all. To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at Fifa are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”