According to Martin Ziegler, chief correspondent for The Times, FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans a scheme to sell World Cup shares to private investors, a plan that could bring him tens of millions of pounds. Sources say Infantino has discussed the possibility with investors in close ties to the Trump administration.
UEFA issued a statement protesting, saying: "This crosses a line that football governing bodies should never cross. UEFA takes this very seriously. Every national football association should take it just as seriously. Every stakeholder should do the same: leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and everyone who cares about the future of the sport."
"The soul and management of football are not assets that can be traded—especially when there is no transparency about who can profit financially from it. None of us own football. Nor does it belong to FIFA and can be sold by FIFA."
