FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended a controversial plan to sell external stakes in the World Cup, calling the proposal an “opportunity” rather than a requirement following a swift backlash from global football authorities.
The governing body sparked intense debate earlier this week after announcing plans to launch a $20 billion commercial subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other major tournaments, offering external investors equity stakes of up to 20 percent. Regional confederations voiced strong opposition, stating they were blindsided by the move to introduce private equity into world football’s premier event.
“It’s part of a democratic process a consultation process and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process,” stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an official video address on Wednesday.
Assurances over tournament governance
Addressing fears that private capital could undermine the integrity or control of the sport, Infantino stressed that world soccer’s governing body would maintain complete oversight over its marquee competitions.
“FIFA obviously continues to govern football without any external interference,” Infantino added, assuring stakeholders that flagship events like the men’s and women’s World Cups will remain fully under FIFA’s leadership despite the proposed commercial overhaul.
