Gary Lineker is the latest to criticise the FIFA president’s controversial plans around the World Cup and Club World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to open up the World Cup to private investors(Image: Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Gary Lineker has slammed Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell stakes of the World Cup to private investors. FIFA have confirmed that the current president is planning for third parties to take ‘minority, non-controlling investments’ in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would control the World Cup and Club World Cup tournaments.
The controversial proposal has already been condemned by UEFA, who released a strong statement on the situation. “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously,” they said.
“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.”
Former England captain and Match of the Day host Lineker has taken to social media to share his thoughts. Sharing a BBC report of UEFA’s statement on his Instagram story, he added a caption reading: “Nothing surprises me anymore” along with a sick face emoji.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also hit out at the plans on social media. “Let me say this very directly,” he wrote.
“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.
Gary Linekr had his say on his Instagram story(Image: garylineker/Instagram)
Gianni Infantino is facing widespread criticism after the controversial plans became public(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images))
“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.”
The latest controversy is one of a few surrounding Infantino, both during and after this summer’s World Cup. Lineker described the FIFA president’s role as ‘almost untenable’ following the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card.
The USA striker saw his suspension for the red he was shown in the World Cup suspended by FIFA, meaning he was able to feature in the knockout game vs Belgium. The decision came amid a phone call from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on the Rest is Football, Alan Shearer said: “FIFA have brought all this on themselves. How on earth does (Jarrell) Quansah now get two games, Balogun got one suspended and got it taken away, yet Quansah now has to miss if England get through the two games.
“It’s absolutely scandalous. Such a bad look.” Lineker then added: “I think his position at FIFA now is almost untenable.”
