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‘It is not FIFA’s to sell’: UEFA blasts Infantino’s $20 billion World Cup plan, says ‘None of us are the owners of football’ | Football News

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'It is not FIFA's to sell': UEFA blasts Infantino's $20 billion World Cup plan, says 'None of us are the owners of football'
File Pic: FIFA president Gianni Infantino, right, with US President Donald Trump. (AP Photo)

UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s ambitious proposal to create a $20 billion commercial company to manage the World Cup and other major tournaments, declaring that football’s governing institutions have crossed a dangerous line.The European football body reacted strongly after FIFA officially unveiled plans for FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new entity that would seek up to $4.2 billion from private investors in exchange for minority, non-controlling stakes in the business, which has been valued at $20 billion.The proposal immediately triggered concerns over the future ownership and governance of football, with UEFA questioning the transparency behind the project and warning against commercialising the sport’s biggest competitions.

‘It is not FIFA’s to sell’

In an unusually blunt statement, UEFA made its opposition crystal clear.“It is not FIFA’s to sell,” the governing body said as per an AP report. “None of us are the owners of football.”The organisation also warned that the proposal threatens the game’s long-term governance.“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,” UEFA said while responding to reports of FIFA selling stakes linked to its competitions.Calling the development deeply concerning, UEFA added that it viewed the reports “extremely seriously. So should every national Football Association.”The statement concluded with another sharp warning: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross.”UEFA represents 55 national associations, making it one of FIFA’s most influential confederations.

FIFA defends investment plan

FIFA, meanwhile, insisted the project is designed to strengthen global football rather than privatise it.According to the governing body, the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise would oversee competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and the Club World Cup, while raising fresh capital from carefully selected long-term investors.Investment bank J.P. Morgan is working with FIFA on the project, while prospective investors reportedly include Thrive Eternal, launched by Joshua Kushner. Joshua is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, further fuelling scrutiny over FIFA’s political and commercial connections.FIFA said its 211 member associations would have to approve the proposal and could each receive up to $20 million in one-off capital if the plan is adopted.Defending the initiative, Infantino said: “This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

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Echoes of FIFA’s failed 2018 proposal

This is not the first time Infantino has attempted to bring private investment into FIFA competitions.In 2018, he proposed a confidential $25 billion partnership backed by Japan’s SoftBank to launch new global tournaments, including an expanded Club World Cup. That proposal eventually collapsed after fierce resistance from UEFA, which feared it would undermine the Champions League and European Championship.Despite that setback, Infantino later expanded the Club World Cup and strengthened FIFA’s commercial ties with Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

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Jerry Jones reveals exploring blockbuster trade to put Cowboys in win-now mode for 2026 season

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed readiness to go all out in his roster-building bid as training camp opens on Tuesday.

The 83-year-old declared his willingness to “give up the future” to make a big-time addition to the roster, while expressing confidence in his team.

“I’d give up future to add substantive to where we are today as to a player,” Jones said on Tuesday while addressing the media. “To give you an idea about would I invest in something substantive to get the right kind of deal to improve us opening day, I would.

” I feel that good about this team this year. And of course, you know that I haven’t seen this team play together and so, but in general, looking ahead, I think we’ve got a chance to be worthy of spending some future if we saw an opportunity.”

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The most obvious factor for Jerry Jones’ sense of urgency is the long championship drought at Dallas. The Cowboys haven’t played in the NFC Championship Game since 1995, and the pressure appears to be getting to Jones.

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Asked whether he is feeling the pressure ahead of fall, he responded:

“Yes, I do for all the obvious reasons.”

Jones’ frustration is understandable, with the longtime owner having admitted he feels he has let fans down. His failure to replicate the success of the 1990s is telling.

He has wasted no opportunity to state his commitment to returning the organization to its glory days following the disappointment of last season. He went as far as saying he would “hitchhike from Indianapolis to Dallas to get the Cowboys another Super Bowl” back in February.

Jerry Jones reignites Maxx Crosby trade speculations

One of the top targets on the Cowboys’ radar is Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Fixing the defense is a priority for the Cowboys after ranking bottom of the NFL in defense last season.

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Although a trade sending Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens recently fell through due to a failed physical, Jerry Jones confirmed the Cowboys’ continued interest.

Jones reignited the trade speculations on Tuesday, insisting the Cowboys did not walk away from a potential trade deal involving Crosby.

Meanwhile, Jones’ aggressive mindset is reflected across board within the Cowboys, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer mandating a strict no redshirts policy for rookies. In other words, the franchise’ overriding priority at the draft was getting prospects who will step in and contribute immediately rather than developmental projects.