UEFA furious over FIFA President Gianni Infantino's World Cup plan: 'This crosses a line'

The FIFA World Cup has been under the stewardship of FIFA for nearly a century. The organization, traditionally a non-profit entity, has safeguarded the sport's heritage. However, according to reports, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is looking to change that. The Times has revealed Infantino's plan to sell shares in the World Cup to interested investors. This could potentially lead to the organization of the immensely popular tournament falling into the hands of profit-driven companies or individuals, a prospect that has deeply angered UEFA.

In an official statement, the European football governing body has already voiced its strong opposition to the plan, which FIFA has yet to officially confirm or comment on. "This crosses a line that no football association should ever cross. UEFA takes this very seriously, and everyone who cares about the future of the sport should too. The soul and organization of football are not commodities to be sold, especially without transparency regarding who stands to benefit financially from such schemes. None of us own football, and it is not FIFA's right to sell it," the statement reads.

American sports network ESPN reports that the plan has also been presented to close associates of US President Donald Trump. Infantino aims to be re-elected for another term as FIFA boss in 2027. Should he win, he would remain at the helm of international football until at least 2031. According to The Times, the Italian-Swiss's long-term ambition is to become the head of the company that would acquire and own the World Cup, should his plan come to fruition, after his tenure at FIFA.