Concacaf Joins Uefa in Criticising FIFA's Plan to Sell World Cup Stakes to Private Investors

Concacaf has formally joined UEFA in expressing strong criticism of FIFA's recent proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The North, Central America and Caribbean football governing body voiced serious concerns about FIFA's governance practices and the absence of due process surrounding the plan.

In a strongly worded statement, Concacaf revealed that its members were completely unaware of the proposal until it appeared in the media. The plan involves creating a new commercial entity linked to the World Cup, which has been valued at an estimated $20 billion (£15 billion). FIFA has reportedly given its member associations a deadline of 19 September to endorse the move.

Concacaf's public opposition highlights growing unease among football's regional bodies regarding FIFA's handling of major commercial and organisational decisions. The lack of prior consultation with member associations has been a particular point of contention, raising questions about transparency and governance standards within football's global governing body.

UEFA, Europe's football governing body, has also criticised FIFA's plan, signalling a rare alignment of concerns across different continents. Both organisations are urging FIFA to reconsider or at least provide more clarity and involvement for its members before proceeding with such a significant commercial transaction.

The proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors represents a major shift in how football's premier international tournament might be financed and managed in the future. The valuation of the new commercial entity at $20 billion underscores the immense commercial value FIFA attributes to the event, but it also raises questions about the potential influence of private investors on the governance and integrity of the competition.

As the 19 September deadline approaches, all eyes will be on FIFA and its member associations to see how this dispute unfolds. The outcome could have lasting implications for the governance of international football and the commercialisation of the World Cup.

For more details on this developing story, visit The Guardian.