FIFA is facing an escalating backlash after reports it plans to sell a 20-30% stake in its World Cup competitions to private investors, triggering accusations that the governing body is putting football's future up for sale. From Europe to Asia and the Americas, football authorities have condemned the proposal, demanding transparency and warning that the sport's governance must not become a commercial bargaining chip. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also voiced concern over President Gianni Infantino's close ties to US President Donald Trump, while reports that investment firm Thrive Eternal – led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner – could be involved have intensified scrutiny. Europe Draws a Red Line UEFA launched the strongest attack, declaring that "the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade". European football's governing body warned that the proposal crossed a fundamental line and questioned who would ultimately benefit financially. UEFA vice-president Gabriele Gravina echoed those concerns, arguing football could not be reduced to a private business venture. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said European football authorities would hold an emergency meeting to coordinate their response. National Associations Demand Answers England's Football Association said it had been "completely unaware" of the proposal before it emerged publicly, criticising both the apparent lack of consultation and the governance behind the plan. Germany's Football Association also lined up against FIFA. Vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke described the proposal as "a direct attack on the sport", insisting Europe carried significant influence given its dominance at recent World Cups. France's Football Federation joined the criticism, with president Philippe Diallo saying national associations had received virtually no information about a proposal that could fundamentally reshape world football. He pledged immediate talks with fellow European federations. Criticism Spreads Across the Globe The backlash quickly extended beyond Europe. The Asian Football Confederation said it had not been consulted and warned that reforms of such magnitude must be built on transparency, good governance and meaningful dialogue. CONCACAF, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, also criticised FIFA's handling of the process. It said member organisations first learned of the proposal through media reports and stressed that football's leaders have a duty to protect the long-term interests of the game. Clock Ticking as Pressure Builds Despite the growing revolt, FIFA has given its 211 member associations until 19 September to sign up to the proposal and secure the promised financial incentives. Rather than easing concerns, the deadline has intensified demands for greater openness. With football's biggest governing bodies now united in questioning the process, Infantino faces one of the most significant governance challenges of his presidency. FIFA's plan to sell World Cup to private investors met with shock and anger by the world of football
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