Fédération Française de Football President Criticizes FIFA’s World Cup Stake Sale Plan Fédération Française de Football (FFF) president Philippe Diallo has condemned FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, calling the initiative “not up to the standards of what football stands for.” The plan, which involves creating a multi-billion-dollar subsidiary to manage the World Cup and offering up to 20% ownership stakes to external investors, has sparked widespread controversy within European football circles. Diallo’s remarks, shared with L’Equipe, highlight growing concerns about FIFA’s governance and financial strategies. Diallo revealed that he first learned of the project through an investigative report by The Times, which detailed the plan without prior disclosure. “We know neither its philosophy nor its necessity, nor its financial structure or funding,” he said, emphasizing the lack of transparency. The FFF leader described the initiative as “worring” and a “cause for concern,” linking it to broader criticisms of FIFA’s recent decisions. These include the controversial revocation of Folarin Balogun’s red card during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the expansion of the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, which he argued necessitate a reevaluation of FIFA’s leadership. The FFF president’s comments align with those of UEFA, which had previously accused FIFA of prioritizing commercial interests over the sport’s integrity. Diallo’s criticism underscores a growing rift between European football authorities and FIFA, particularly over the organization’s financial strategies and governance practices.#fifa #world_cup #gianni_infantino #fdration_francaise_de_football #philippe_diallo
