English Premier League
FIFA plans ‘in danger of collapsing’ amid European opposition
British Finance Minister John Healey says he is proud of the role played by English and European football authorities in leading opposition to FIFA’s plan to sell a stake linked to the World Cup to private investors.
Healey told reporters on Friday that the proposal now appeared to be close to collapse.
“I think FIFA’s plans are falling apart, and I am extremely proud that the Football Association and UEFA led the campaign against the idea of selling the World Cup,” he said, according to Reuters.
His comments come as resistance continues to grow across Europe to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to create a new commercial company, FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The planned company would bring together FIFA’s commercial activities and the organisation of its tournaments. A share of the business would then be made available to private investors.
FIFA has said the new company would be valued at about $20bn (£15.7bn), with the potential to raise more than $4bn through private investment. The governing body insists it would retain full control of the company, as well as responsibility for football governance, competitions and sporting decisions.
However, UEFA and European football associations have reacted angrily to the proposal. They believe allowing private investors to take part in the commercial value associated with the World Cup would cross a red line.
UEFA member associations have threatened to withdraw from FIFA competitions if the proposal remains in place. They are seeking its abandonment, together with guarantees that private interests will not be given access to the governance of FIFA or the organisation of its competitions.
FIFA says FIFA Forward Enterprise would help generate more than $10bn to fund football development over the coming years. It also says the plan would increase the level of funding available to the 211 national associations affiliated to the world governing body.
The dispute centres on how FIFA should use the commercial value generated by its biggest competitions, particularly the World Cup. European officials have raised concerns about the possible influence of outside investors, while FIFA has presented the company as a way to expand investment in the game.
Healey’s remarks represent further political support for the opposition led by the Football Association and UEFA. The comments also underline the seriousness of the threat from European associations, which have indicated that participation in FIFA competitions could be affected unless their concerns are addressed.
FIFA has maintained that football’s governing structures and sporting decisions would remain under its control, but that assurance has not ended the criticism. European opposition has instead intensified as plans for FIFA Forward Enterprise continue to be discussed.
