Published • loading... • Updated
FIFA executive Arsene Wenger backs decision to drop Gianni Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan
Wenger said scrapping the proposal was necessary after FIFA faced backlash over a plan to sell about 20% of World Cup commercial rights for $4.2 billion.
- On Tuesday, Aug 4, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger criticized President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup through the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
- UEFA, the European football governing body, threatened to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions after the FFE scheme faced heavy rejection from three continental confederations, forcing the Swiss to abandon the idea.
- Wenger called the withdrawal "absolutely necessary and beyond question." His public criticism followed FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who stated last week that staff at the global governing body had been "deceived" by Infantino.
- The FAW confirmed it withdrew support on Aug 3, while UEFA issued a statement Aug 1 noting it had "lost confidence" in Infantino. The English Football Association is also reportedly contacting FIFA.
- Infantino faces re-election in March for a final term and needs 106 votes from 211 members to win. European Football Clubs have expressed concern regarding the scheme's impact on Club World Cup competition rights.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
145 Articles
145 Articles
Arsene Wenger speaks out on Infantino’s abandoned World Cup proposal
Senior FIFA executive Arsene Wenger has made his stance on boss Gianni Infantino’s scrapped World Cup plans clear. In an official statement through FIFA, the chief of global football development demanded “transparency” from the governing body and cleared the air on his involvement in Infantino’s investment plans, per the BBC. Wenger preached loyalty to FIFA’s...
FIFA ruled out the sale of 20% of its commercial subsidiary following UEFA's opposition and Arsène Wenger's slinging, holding back the penetration of private capital into the tournament.
·Caracas, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Read Full Article
The main advocate of the project of opening up to private investors is becoming increasingly isolated.
·Montreal, Canada
Read Full Article
Belfast TelegraphReposted by 
Breaking News
Breaking NewsArsene Wenger says FIFA U-turn ‘necessary’ as pressure grows on Gianni Infantino
·Belfast, United Kingdom
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources145
Leaning Left37Leaning Right23Center25Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Left
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
44% Left
L 44%
C 29%
R 27%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
