NewzFIFA has announced plans to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage its major competitions, including the World Cup, which would involve selling stakes to private investors. The proposal, confirmed by the governing body on Tuesday, aims to restructure the commercial operations of international football events.
The initiative has drawn significant criticism from regional football associations and political officials. The Asian Football Confederation expressed disappointment, stating that such major changes must be rooted in transparency, good governance, and meaningful consultation. Similarly, the English Football Association voiced deep concern regarding the lack of process surrounding the decision.
European Union sports chief Glenn Micallef also criticized the move, warning FIFA to keep private interests out of the sport. He described the ongoing commercialization of football as corrosive and emphasized that the sport’s success should not be driven by private investment.
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