USWNT's Emma Hayes comments on FIFA's proposal to sell minority stake

One of the major headlines in the soccer world is that FIFA is exploring the idea of selling a minority stake in its organization to private investors in order to raise billions of dollars.

USWNT manager Emma Hayes, who won six Super League titles and five FA Cups as the head coach for Chelsea, was a guest on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Thursday, July 30. She was asked about her thoughts on the controversial notion, which could impact the 2027 World Cup next summer.

“Without knowing the ins and outs of what’s been proposed, I think the most beautiful thing about a World Cup, and everything that goes with that, is you want the sport to remain accessible to all,” she said.

“Without knowing the ins and outs of what’s been proposed, I think the most beautiful thing about a World Cup, and everything that goes with that, is you want the sport to remain accessible to all.”

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USWNT HC Emma Hayes weighs in on UEFA’s unanimous vote to boycott all FIFA… pic.twitter.com/cGrdKjOvm2

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The news of the potential offer of a minority investment was met with heavy criticism. Concacaf released a statement expressing its displeasure at the notion and UEFA said it would boycott all FIFA tournaments until the idea of the sale is squashed.

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said in a statement. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”

Hayes did not take a side in the debate, but pointed to the reality of the business side of the sport. Each World Cup costs billions of dollars and the men’s tournament this summer was the largest yet with a field of 48 teams playing 104 matches in 16 cities across three countries. She called for a balance in managing a budget with keeping the beautiful game for the people.

“I think we know that this World Cup was really expensive for everyone,” she continued. “I think the business of football, yes, while it is important and commercializing it in a way that it needs to is critical, but I want to make sure the sport remains accessible for everyone. So I’m sure there’s very good reason why those decisions have been taken.”

Hayes will coach the United States next summer in the World Cup hosted by Brazil. The side has won a record four titles, but was knocked out in the Round of 16 in the 2023 tournament, its earliest exit in a World Cup ever for the USWNT. It was the swan song for Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan. Hayes took the reins of the team in November of that year.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USWNT’s Emma Hayes comments on FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stake