Ex-FIFA Chief Sepp Blatter Slams Plan to Sell Stake in World Cup to Investors
Sepp Blatter, former FIFA President and one of the most influential figures in world football for over two decades, has expressed his deep concern about a proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup. The plan, announced by FIFA earlier this month, aims to offer stakes up to 20 percent in the new entity to external investors.
The move has sparked widespread criticism from European football authorities, including UEFA, which has accused FIFA of putting the game up for sale. Blatter’s comments have been seen as a strong rebuke to the proposal, and he believes that the World Cup should not become an investment product for private equity firms seeking returns.
“FIFA is the guardian of the World Cup, not its owner,” Blatter said in his statement. “It belongs to the people, not just a handful of executives.” He added that investors pursuing influence and profits run contrary to associations that follow the interests of their members.
Blatter’s concerns are rooted in the history of football. The sport has always been driven by passion and dedication from its fans, rather than profit margins. “Modern football has survived for more than a century because it belongs to the people,” he said.
The proposal is seen as an attempt to shift control away from FIFA and towards external stakeholders. However, Blatter believes that this would undermine the very essence of the World Cup. “If FIFA were transferred into a profit-oriented corporate structure, it would lose its soul,” he added.
Blatter’s comments have been met with skepticism by some in the football community, who argue that private investment can bring much-needed financial stability to the sport. However, Blatter remains steadfast in his stance, emphasizing that the World Cup should remain a public institution dedicated to promoting and developing the game for its fans.
The controversy surrounding the proposal has sparked debate among football stakeholders, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability from FIFA. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Sepp Blatter’s comments have sent shockwaves through the world of football.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
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