On July 29, Beijing time, FIFPro (Fédération Internationale de Footballers) Europe officially released a statement in response to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell the World Cup and other events.
FIFPro Europe Official Announcement:
The European Professional Footballers' Federation (EFF) is deeply concerned about the proposal to turn the FIFA World Cup and other FIFA competitions into privately investable assets, a move that would fundamentally and irreversibly change the incentive mechanisms for players to work, play, and develop their careers.
Given the potential for this proposal to have a profound impact on player welfare, international match schedules, and the future governance of football, it is particularly worrying that such a significant project was primarily developed in closed-door meetings and came close to an agreement without any substantial communication with the groups most affected.
Bypassing the dialogue mechanisms established by FIFA and FIFPro will only exacerbate these concerns. The proposal also raises fundamental concerns about the future governance and integrity of world football, given the limited stakeholder involvement in FIFA's decision-making process.
Commercial influence must not replace this participation, nor should economic interests override the voices of players, fans, and football supporters. The European Professional Footballers' Federation cannot and will never support such a model.
Within FIFA, neither FIFPRO nor players have voting rights. However, even though the current FIFA leadership has long since stepped down, they will continue to bear the consequences of these decisions for a long time. Now, FIFA has a responsibility to immediately reconsider its proposals.
At the same time, each national football association bears responsibilities far beyond immediate economic returns or future commercial expectations. Governments, public institutions, federations, leagues, clubs, and supporters should also play a role in ensuring that football remains a public trust, not just a commercial asset.
The European Professional Footballers' Federation (UEF) stands ready to collaborate with all organizations and stakeholders committed to protecting players' interests and upholding the long-term integrity of football. This is how football should be, and it is equally true for the players who shape that future.
