Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

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