FA and Concacaf ‘deeply concerned’ by Gianni Infantino’s shameless plan to SELL World Cup after being blindsided by plot

THE FA have released a statement slamming Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell shares in the World Cup. Reports emerged yesterday of the Fifa chief’s hopes to flog a chunk of the organisation to private investors. The FA have questioned Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell stakes in the World Cup Credit: Alamy The Fifa chief is set to allow private investment into a new sister company that would oversee the tournament Credit: PA But the lack of transparency and oversight involved in the sudden outing of the plans has rubbed other giants of football governance the wrong way, including the FA. The body said: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved. “When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by Fifa, we will make our views clear, and comment further.” The plan would see a new sister company called Fifa Forward Enterprise created to oversee the World Cup – in which shares could be purchased by private investors. Infantino, 56, stands to make substantial sums in bonuses should the concerning plans be successful. He could even take up a role as “commissioner” of the new venture worth tens of millions following the end of his Fifa term in 2031. The FA’s sentiments of concern over the lack of apparent oversight were echoed by Concacaf, which governs international football across Central and North America. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Why 'dictator' Infantino's shameful plot to sell World Cup is destined to succeed By Simon Collings GIANNI INFANTINO sent shockwaves through football with his latest plan to change the game as we know it. The controversial president, for his part, can point to the huge revenues Fifa have generated since his time at the helm over the past ten years to explain his popularity. And if this shameful scheme is to get the green light, it will require the majority support of Fifa’s 211 member associations and the governing body’s Council. There are a few reasons – well, actually, a million or so reasons – why they could be on board with them. Read this article in full… They said: “Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release. “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. “We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place. “As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. “Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship. “This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the Fifa family will act in the same manner.” The bodies join Uefa and even UK prime minister Andy Burnham in condemning the plans. Uefa, which governs international football in Europe, wrote: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. Uefa takes it extremely seriously. Fifa's World Cup sell-off plan Fifa would set up a firm for the “operational delivery of Fifa tournaments” called Fifa Forward Enterprise, which will effectively control the men’s and women’s World Cups and Club World Cup Fifa would then own the majority share in the company — but investors could purchase 20 to 30 per cent which could amount to billions of dollars Each of Fifa’s 211 member associations would also be given a stake worth approximately £15m which they could keep or sell Infantino would then be in line to run the company after he steps down as head of Fifa One proposed investor is Joshua Kushner — a younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner Joshua Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, is set to be a primary investor Credit: Getty “So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.” Burnham, an Everton fan, gave an equally impassioned reponse to the cynical plans. He wrote on X: “Let me say this very directly. “Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine. “The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. “Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.” There is also a Donald Trump connection with regards to the Fifa Forward Enterprise project. The World Cup final wrapped up just weeks ahead of the controversial plans being revealed Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Thrive Capital is understood to be the leading bidder, with its CEO Joshua Kushner the younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Infantino has already been under scrutiny for his deference to the politician, whom he gave the newly-created Fifa Peace Prize last year. Comment now