'It is not FIFA's to sell': UEFA blasts Infantino's $20 billion World Cup plan, says 'None of us are the

UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino's ambitious proposal to create a $20 billion commercial company to manage the World Cup. The European football governing body argues that such a move would undermine the spirit of the tournament, which they believe should prioritize sporting excellence over financial gain. UEFA officials expressed concern that Infantino's plan could shift control away from national associations, potentially altering the fundamental nature of the global event. In a strongly worded statement, UEFA emphasized that the World Cup is a shared cultural heritage, not a commodity to be sold. "None of us are the owners of the World Cup," UEFA declared, reinforcing their stance that the tournament belongs to the world and its fans. The proposed commercial venture has raised alarms about the concentration of power within FIFA and the potential marginalization of smaller football associations that may struggle to compete in a profit-driven environment. Critics within UEFA also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding Infantino's proposal, urging for a more collaborative approach involving all stakeholders. They called for open dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes to ensure that the World Cup remains a celebration of global unity and competition. As the debate intensifies, the football community awaits to see how FIFA will respond to these mounting concerns from one of its most influential members.

— Authored by Next24 Live