FIFA faces strong global opposition following its project

Why it matters

FIFA's decision to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors raises major concerns about transparency and governance in football. Critics from UEFA and CONCACAF highlight the need for a more rigorous consultation process, essential to preserving the integrity of the World Cup. This controversy could have significant repercussions on the perception of football on a global scale, particularly with regard to the 2026 World Cup.

Key points

• FIFA facing strong global opposition following its project.
• FIFA faces growing opposition over plans to sell World Cup shares to private investors.
• FIFA-plans were already valid: 'Bezorgd over gebrek aan trials'.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has found itself at the center of a global controversy after revealing plans to sell shares of the FIFA World Cup to private investors. This announcement, which could mark a major turning point in the economic governance of the most prestigious competition in world football, sparked a wave of criticism from major confederations, notably UEFA and CONCACAF.

CONCACAF, the confederation of nations from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, has issued an official statement expressing its deep dissatisfaction. According to her, FIFA did not follow the usual consultation process with member federations and instead announced this project via a media release, without prior dialogue. “We are extremely concerned by the absence of the usual procedure. We share the disappointment of many players in our region and in football in general regarding the dissemination of this information before any discussion with the parties concerned,” she said.

This position joins that of UEFA, which on Tuesday strongly criticized these initiatives. UEFA denounces a “crossed boundary” between football and commerce, believing that the governance of sport must not be transformed into a commodity, especially without transparency on the financial beneficiaries. The European Confederation calls on national federations to take this very seriously, specifying that “no one owns football” and that it is not up to FIFA to sell its economic soul.

Other European bodies, such as the English, French and Danish federations, also expressed their reservations during the day on Wednesday. Among the notable critics, Hans-Joachim Watzke, vice-president of the UEFA executive committee, Javier Tebas, boss of La Liga, and even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, unanimously denounce a questionable method.

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In the Netherlands, the KNVB described this situation as “very worrying”. Nevertheless, the Dutch federation remains cautious and awaits more information on the precise implementation before formulating a final judgment.

Finally, the Asian Confederation (AFC) joined the critical movement with a similar statement a few hours after that of CONCACAF, testifying to a growing consensus among the major world federations to demand more transparency and respect for procedures.

This controversy comes in an already tense context as the 2026 World Cup prepares to be co-organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada, an event which promises to be a logistical and economic revolution. These criticisms could push FIFA to review its copy to preserve the unity and credibility of world football as this major competition approaches.

[Image: Controversy grows around FIFA's plans for the 2026 World Cup.]

The rest

As FIFA faces growing opposition, it is likely that internal discussions will be initiated to re-evaluate the controversial project. Confederations like UEFA and CONCACAF could step up their efforts to influence the direction of FIFA, calling for reforms in football governance. Next steps could include meetings between national federations and FIFA to discuss the concerns raised and consider alternatives to the sale of shares.

Frequently asked questions

What happened with FIFA's plan for the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA has announced plans to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors, sparking strong global opposition.

Who confirmed their opposition to the FIFA project?

CONCACAF and UEFA have officially expressed their dissatisfaction with FIFA's plan.

Why is FIFA facing opposition now?

The opposition came after FIFA announced its plan without consulting member federations, which was seen as a lack of transparency.

What are the consequences of this announcement for football governance?

UEFA has warned that this could transform football governance into

a commodity, raising concerns about transparency and ownership of sport.

What changes have been expressed by the national federations regarding this project?

The English, French and Danish federations also expressed their reservations, joining the criticism of the UEFA and CONCACAF confederations.

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