UEFA Slammes FIFA Over 2026 World Cup Private‑Investment Plan

Mon Sep 07 2026 11:43:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

UEFA furious as FIFA pushes for private funding of the 2026 World Cup, arguing the tournament cannot be sold to private owners.

UEFA has publicly condemned FIFA’s proposal to secure private investment for its competitions, notably the 2026 World Cup. FIFA claims a $10 bn‑plus funding boost would grow football worldwide, but the plan has drawn sharp criticism for potentially monetising the tournament. UEFA’s statement insists that national and global football remain community‑owned, not for sale. The controversy underscores tensions between governing bodies and commercial interests as football prepares for its largest future event.

UEFA Slammes FIFA Over 2026 World Cup Private‑Investment Plan

European football’s governing body Uefa has expressed intense fury at proposals from Fifa to seek private investment across its competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.

Fifa has announced an intention to expand development funding to over $10 bn (£7.5 bn), claiming this will grow the game worldwide, but the plan is subject to approval from its member associations. The Financial Times and the Times first reported that such moves could potentially bring tens of millions of pounds to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

In a strong statement, Uefa said: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. None of us are the owners of football. The World Cup is not Fifa’s to sell.”

The protest highlights deeper debates over how to balance commercial ambition with the sport’s heritage and ownership structures as it heads toward the largest ever event.