US and Canada join FIFA revolt against World Cup sell-off plan

The United States and Canada have joined the growing revolt against FIFA’s plans to sell a stake in the World Cup, according to the Daily Mail.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino plans to open part of the World Cup’s commercial business to private investors. However, federations around the world are rejecting the controversial proposal.

North American football leaders are the latest to join the bandwagon.

CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, has strongly criticised the way the proposal was introduced.

They said it was informed through media reports before any official consultation took place. In a public statement, CONCACAF expressed concern over the lack of proper governance and consultation. 

They argued that decisions involving the future of football should be made through transparent discussions involving FIFA’s governing bodies and member associations rather than being announced publicly before key stakeholders have had a chance to review them.

“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” the statement read. “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. 

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.

“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.

“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.”

The statement comes after UEFA and its 55 member associations announced that they would not support the proposal.

Europe’s governing body said that the World Cup is one of football’s most valuable global competitions and should not be partially sold to outside investors.

FIFA plans to create a new commercial company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FEE). It will allow private investors to own one-fifth of the new business while FIFA would retain overall control.

The governing body has reportedly offered to increase financial distributions to each of its 211 member associations. 

If the proposal is approved, it will double the guaranteed funding over the next four-year cycle, while total projected funding through 2038 would rise significantly.