Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing attack on current FIFA president Gianni Infantino over reports of a plan to sell part of the commercial rights to the World Cup.
The Times and the Telegraph revealed a project that includes the creation of a new company to manage the commercial rights for the Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup, with the possibility of selling between 20 and 30% of the company's shares to private sector investors.
The project is valued at approximately 17.3 billion euros, amid controversy and rejection within football circles, especially since the European Football Association (UEFA) announced its objection to the idea, stressing that the governance of the game and the spirit of football are not assets that can be sold.
Blatter strongly criticized the project, linking it to Infantino's close relationship with US President Donald Trump, saying that this relationship "has reached a financial dimension that is harming football," and stressing: "No one has the right to sell our sport."
There are growing concerns that the entry of private sector investors will prioritize financial returns when making decisions about the future of the World Cup, whether by increasing the number of editions of the tournament, expanding its scope, or choosing host countries primarily based on commercial considerations.
Reports about Infantino potentially taking on a leadership role in the new company after the end of his current term also raise questions about conflicts of interest, at a time when FIFA is under increasing pressure over the proposed project.
Blatter's criticism comes at a time when Infantino is facing growing opposition from a number of parties within football, opening the door to a new battle over the future management and marketing of the most important tournament in the world of the game.
