Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has joined growing opposition to FIFA’s proposed plan to sell minority stakes in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, insisting that football should remain accessible to supporters and not be placed in private hands.

Alonso expressed support for UEFA’s opposition to the proposal while speaking in Sydney, where Chelsea are preparing for the new season during a pre-season tour.

The former Spain international and 2010 World Cup winner said football’s global appeal is built on its connection with supporters and the shared emotions created by major competitions.

“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said.

“That’s the way we love it. We have seen a great World Cup, and some things should stay the same way. So it’s good to defend the interests of other people.”

The debate centres on a proposal backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to establish a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee the business operations of FIFA’s major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Under the proposed structure, FIFA would retain control of sporting and governance decisions while allowing private investors to acquire a minority, non-controlling stake in the commercial entity.

FIFA has argued that the investment could generate up to $4.2 billion in additional funding, which could be reinvested in football development across its 211 member associations.

The world football governing body has also maintained that the proposal would not transfer control of football or give private investors authority over competition rules, sporting decisions or FIFA’s governance.

However, the plan has generated strong opposition from UEFA, which has raised concerns about the commercialisation of football’s biggest tournament and the potential influence of investors on the future direction of the sport.

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UEFA has also questioned the consultation process surrounding the proposal and called for greater transparency on how the new commercial structure would operate.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have also expressed concerns, adding to pressure on FIFA to provide more details and address questions about the long-term impact of the proposal.

Some football stakeholders have argued that the World Cup should remain a global sporting competition managed primarily for the benefit of players, supporters, national associations and the wider football community.

Alonso echoed those concerns, saying he hoped football authorities would preserve the traditions and authenticity that have helped make the sport popular around the world.

“Hopefully it won’t happen,” he said.

“I think it’s the common feeling of football people that we want something that we keep in the hands of everyone, that it’s for all the people.”

The Chelsea manager said the emotional connection supporters have with football could be affected if commercial interests became more influential in the management of major competitions.

“Hopefully we’ll keep the game as attractive and as authentic as we like it, and that’s why it creates these emotions and these passions we’ve seen in the World Cup, in the Champions League and in the Premier League, because it’s for everyone,” Alonso added.

FIFA has defended the proposal, saying the planned commercial structure is intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of global football and increase funding for development programmes.

The governing body has also insisted that the investment plan does not amount to selling the World Cup or handing control of football to private companies.

The proposal is expected to require approval through FIFA’s governing structures and support from its member associations before it can be implemented.

The growing opposition from major football confederations could make it more difficult for FIFA to secure broad support, particularly because UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC represent a significant part of the global football community.

The disagreement has also renewed debate over the increasing commercialisation of football and whether private investment could affect the independence, accessibility and traditions of major international competitions.

For now, FIFA has not withdrawn the proposal, while UEFA and other football bodies continue to seek greater clarity on the proposed structure, investor involvement and safeguards for the future of the game.

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ranked 10th among the greatest players in Manchester United history, placing the Portuguese football icon alongside some of the most influential figures to have represented the English club.

The ranking reflects Ronaldo’s achievements, performances and impact during his two spells at Manchester United, while also highlighting the depth of the club’s history and the number of legendary players who made long-term contributions at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 as an 18-year-old and quickly developed into one of the most exciting young players in world football.

Under the guidance of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo transformed from a highly skilful winger into one of football’s most complete and dangerous attacking players.

During his first spell between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo helped Manchester United win several major trophies, including three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His performances during the 2007/08 season remain among the most remarkable individual campaigns in Manchester United’s history.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions as Manchester United won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

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His outstanding form earned him the 2008 Ballon d’Or, making him the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious individual award since George Best in 1968.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009 in what was then a world-record transfer. He later became Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer and won multiple domestic and European honours.

The Portuguese forward returned to Manchester United in 2021, nearly 12 years after his first departure.

During his second spell, Ronaldo became the club’s leading goalscorer in the 2021/22 season and produced several important performances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

However, his return ended in November 2022 after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement following a public disagreement with the club.

Across his two spells, Ronaldo made 346 appearances for Manchester United and scored 145 goals, cementing his place among the club’s most successful and recognisable players.

His ranking at number 10 has generated debate among supporters, with some arguing that his individual ability, goalscoring record and achievements should have placed him higher.

Others believe the ranking reflects the contributions of Manchester United legends who spent longer periods at the club and played central roles in its success across multiple generations.

Players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Denis Law, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson are regularly included in discussions about the club’s greatest-ever players.

The debate also highlights the difference between identifying the best footballer to have played for Manchester United and ranking the greatest players based on their achievements and overall contribution to the club.

While Ronaldo went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in football history, his ranking is based primarily on his legacy and accomplishments during his time at Manchester United.

Despite being placed 10th, Ronaldo remains one of the most influential players of the modern era and one of the most successful footballers to have worn the Manchester United shirt.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players