UEFA reacts to FIFA's plan to sell World Cup shares

UEFA opposes FIFA's plan to sell World Cup shares to private investors

According to British newspaper The Times, FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to sell World Cup shares. UEFA issued a strong statement saying the plan goes against the spirit of football.

Scraper SystemJuly 28, 2026, 10:51 PM

UEFA opposes FIFA's plan to sell World Cup shares to private investors

According to British newspaper The Times, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is planning to set up a company to control tournaments such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup and sell shares to private investors. The plan has sent shockwaves through the football world.

The report also detailed the plan. Accordingly, each of FIFA's 211 member associations will receive shares worth about $20 million in the company to be formed. The associations can hold onto these shares or sell them to generate revenue.

The Times also suggested that the 56-year-old Infantino is preparing to lead this new company with the title of 'commissioner' once his current presidency ends. The report further noted that Infantino has held investor talks with figures close to the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Gerilim tırmandı... FIFA'nın yeni planına UEFA'dan sert tepki geldi

European football's governing body UEFA reacted harshly to the plan. In an official statement, UEFA said: "This crosses a line that football's governing bodies should never cross. UEFA takes this extremely seriously. So should every national football federation. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and anyone with an interest in the future of the game. The spirit and governance of football are not assets to be bought and sold, especially with zero transparency on who benefits financially. None of us own football. This is not something FIFA can sell."

The statement stressed opposition to the commercialization of football in this manner.