L’UEFA rebukes Infantino after private World Cup plan dropped

L’UEFA said on Saturday it is far from forgiving Gianni Infantino after the FIFA president withdrew his controversial plan to set up a private company to run the World Cup and invite private investors, in a bid to commercialise the sport. The European governing body issued a statement on Saturday, hours after Infantino announced the abandonment of the project. The body also made clear it is far from forgiving the FIFA president.

Infantino, the Swiss FIFA chief, had intended to create a company responsible for organising the Coupe du monde and to open its ownership to private investors. The plan would have opened the tournament to private investors, a move the federation said would jeopardise the sport’s values.

UEFA demanded that the former plan’s architects be held to account, quoting its communiqué: “Nous ne pouvons pas continuer ainsi, avec des projets secrets élaborés dans la précipitation, ourdis par des personnes anonymes et d’un bénéfice douteux pour notre sport.” UEFA said the responsible parties must be identified and brought to account.

The federation added that football is not for sale and that the current FIFA leadership has lost the confidence of UEFA and many other members of the football family. It noted that numerous other members of the football family share this loss of trust.

The proposal was also rejected by Asian, North American and Central associations, and Infantino’s principal adviser resigned in protest. The Asian, North American and Central associations also voted against the proposal.

UEFA thanked supporters, leagues, clubs, players, associations, confederations and several heads of government and state observers who voiced opposition, demonstrating that the sport must remain free from commercial exploitation. UEFA highlighted the support of several heads of government, state leaders and observers who affirmed that football is not for sale.

The governing body said it will continue to monitor any future attempts to commercialise the World Cup and will act to protect the integrity of the game. It warned that any secret projects will be scrutinised closely.