International football is going through an unprecedented institutional crisis. In response to FIFA’s plan to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors, UEFA and its 55 member associations have issued a joint statement threatening to withdraw from all competitions organized by world football’s governing body.
“The World Cup is not for sale”
Through a statement signed unanimously, the European body firmly rejected the proposal pushed by Gianni Infantino, arguing that the integrity of the sport must be protected:
“We unequivocally reject the proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built by generations. No part of this heritage should be handed over to private interests.”
Strong criticism of Gianni Infantino’s leadership
UEFA described it as irresponsible that a decision of such magnitude was devised in secret and without the consensus of those who manage the sport globally. For the European body, this course of action represents a lack of leadership and an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the highest institutional authority.
Likewise, the associations said they are being subjected to governance based on intimidation, arguing that they are being given an ultimatum to accept an irreversible takeover. In light of this situation, European football appears determined to defend the sovereignty of the most important international national-team competition on the planet.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
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