UEFA has taken a firm stance against FIFA, declaring that soccer is 'not theirs to sell' in response to the governing body's controversial proposal. Global soccer's top authority is considering selling stakes in "event operations," presumably such as the World Cup, to private investors, as confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
The scheme could see FIFA president Gianni Infantino pocket millions should a deal be approved. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been brought into the discussions via the Kushner family.
While the proposal is still being deliberated internally, it has been met with significant opposition from UEFA, as per The Mirror.
A statement from the Champions League organizers on Tuesday 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 has already outlined their proposal in detail. In an official statement, they confirmed that FIFA intends to expand soccer development funding to over $10 billion.
Those funds would then be made available to all 211 member associations within FIFA. FIFA would retain majority ownership of the World Cup, with private investors acquiring 20 to 30 percent, while member organizations would receive a minor stake totaling 20 percent.
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The Times has reported that one senior figure within the sport has labeled FIFA's plan a "nuclear bomb" for the game.
FIFA President Infantino has consistently courted controversy this summer, particularly regarding the World Cup. Fans took aim at him over the exorbitant ticket prices throughout the tournament.
He also faced criticism for his involvement in the decision to suspend U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun's red card ban. The American was initially suspended after being sent off, only for that ruling to be reversed following a phone call from President Trump.
Responding to the backlash he encountered, 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."
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
