FIFA faces backlash from UEFA over World Cup investment plan
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 5:33 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
UEFA publicly criticized FIFA's intentions to sell stakes in World Cup operations to private investors, calling it a severe breach of football governance. FIFA confirmed plans to allocate over $10 billion for soccer development, while retaining majority ownership and allowing private investors to hold a minority stake. UEFA's statement emphasized that 'soccer is not theirs to sell,' urging all stakeholders to take this matter seriously. FIFA's proposal has sparked strong opposition within the sport, with one insider describing it as a potential disaster. Discussions regarding this initiative continue as FIFA navigates the criticism.
- •UEFA denounces FIFA's investment proposal as unacceptable.
- •FIFA aims to raise over $10 billion for development funding.
- •Private investors could acquire 20-30% stakes in World Cup operations.
- •FIFA retains majority ownership of the World Cup.
- •A senior figure labels FIFA's plan a 'nuclear bomb' for soccer.
- 5:55 PMCBS Sports — FIFA wants to sell World Cup stake to private investors: UEFA isn't happy and here's why
- 5:33 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA faces brutal UEFA backlash over World Cup private investment plan
"FIFA's reported plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors have drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, with European soccer's governing body issuing a strongly worded statement
"Here's what to know about the controversial proposal that raises questions about the future of the World Cup
Sources
External links- CBS SportsJul 28, 2026, 5:55 PMFIFA wants to sell World Cup stake to private investors: UEFA isn't happy and here's why
Here's what to know about the controversial proposal that raises questions about the future of the World Cup
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 5:33 PMFIFA faces brutal UEFA backlash over World Cup private investment plan
FIFA's reported plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors have drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, with European soccer's governing body issuing a strongly worded statement
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