TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The European Leagues have formally rejected FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a commercial stake in the World Cup to private investors.
Speaking through its president, Claudius Schäfer, the organization representing Europe's professional leagues warned that FIFA's move threatens the foundations of football and risks giving private entities long-term control over the world's most prestigious competition.
"Responsible football leaders have a duty to stand together in opposing this proposal not only for today’s game, but for future generations of players and supporters, ensuring we pass on a sport that remains healthy, sustainable and true to the values that have turned it into world’s game," Schäfer said in a statement published on the group's official website Thursday.
In the statement, the European Leagues characterized FIFA's plan to bring private investors into a new subsidiary managing the tournament's commercial rights and organization as a reckless and divisive move for the sport.
The organization stressed that the World Cup is not the personal asset of the FIFA president to be traded. According to the group, the true value of the competition is built daily by leagues, clubs, players, and supporters. However, all of these key parties have been denied any opportunity to vote on or approve the plan.
The European Leagues also emphasized that football's global success rests on an open pyramid system that maintains a balance between domestic and international competitions. Consequently, commercial opportunities should reinforce this system rather than alter or threaten it.
Furthermore, the organization sharply criticized FIFA's drafting process, describing it as opaque and unilateral. They asserted that this move fits a broader pattern of contentious FIFA decision-making, particularly regarding the determination of the international match calendar.
The European Leagues noted that they have already filed a complaint with the European Commission alleging that FIFA abused its dominant position in setting the international match calendar, violating EU competition law.
They stated that any proposals regarding match schedules or competitions must be developed through a transparent and accountable process involving all stakeholders, as highlighted by the European Court of Justice in its ruling on the 2023 European Super League case.
The European Leagues added that they will continue working with UEFA to protect the long-term interests of football. The organization also expressed hope that national football federations and associations across various countries will critically examine Gianni Infantino's proposal.
Read: World Cup Sell Off: Has FIFA Finally Gone Too Far?
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