Is World Cup sell-off plan a step too far by Infantino?
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing backlash over a controversial proposal to sell stakes in major football competitions to private investors. While critics view the move as a dangerous commercialization of the sport, Infantino maintains strong support from member nations due to promised financial windfalls.
Why it matters
The potential privatization of the World Cup could fundamentally alter the governance and commercial structure of global football, sparking a debate over the balance between profit and sport integrity.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Gianni Infantino is making the boldest move of his 10 years in charge of Fifa
Gianni Infantino is billing it as the democratisation of football.
But Fifa's announcement that it aims to sell off stakes in its football competitions - including the World Cup - to private investors via associates of US President Donald Trump has been met with incredulity and rage from fans, politicians and regional governing bodies.
The big selling point, according to Infantino, is $20m (£15m) in funding given to all Fifa countries to "develop the game" once the deal is finalised.
This is the boldest move Infantino, an administrator who views himself as a world leader on par with presidents and prime ministers, has made in the decade since he became Fifa president.
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