‘No one has the right’ – Sepp Blatter joins condemnation of Fifa successor Gianni Infantino over World Cup sale plans

FORMER Fifa president Sepp Blatter has slammed Gianni Infantino’s decision to try and sell off the World Cup. On Tuesday it emerged that controversial footie chief Infantino was planning to create a company to own the World Cup and Club World Cup. Sepp Blatter says Fifa has “no right” to sell the World Cup Credit: Reuters President Gianni Infantino plans to get private investors in the tournament to raise funds Credit: Alamy Then he would be able to auction off shares to private investors and earn millions in the process. The news has caused widespread outrage with the FA and Uefa among the bodies to hit back. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! And now, Infantino’s predecessor Blatter – who lost his role due to Fifa‘s corruption scandal in the mid-2010s – has given his thoughts. Writing on X, Blatter, 90, said: “The close relationship between the Fifa President and the US President has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football. “No one has the right to sell our game.” A leaked letter from Infantino to the 211 Fifa associations says that they will make £30million if his outlandish scheme goes through. Countries have less than two months to sign up with a £10billion package “available as of January 1, 2027.” But the reaction from some of the sport’s big dogs has not been good. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Donald Trump has been called out for his involvement Credit: PA The FA said: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached. “Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved. “When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by Fifa, we will make our views clear, and comment further.” Central and North America‘s suits added: “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. “We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place. “As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. “Collectively, Fifa, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. “Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship. “This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the Fifa family will act in the same manner.” Why 'dictator' Infantino's shameful plot to sell World Cup is destined to succeed By Simon Collings GIANNI INFANTINO sent shockwaves through football with his latest plan to change the game as we know it. The controversial president, for his part, can point to the huge revenues Fifa have generated since his time at the helm over the past ten years to explain his popularity. And if this shameful scheme is to get the green light, it will require the majority support of Fifa’s 211 member associations and the governing body’s Council. There are a few reasons – well, actually, a million or so reasons – why they could be on board with them. Read this article in full… Uefa fumed: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. Uefa takes it extremely seriously. “So should every National Football Association. “So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. “None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.” Even new UK prime minister Andy Burnham got involved. Fifa's World Cup sell-off plan Fifa would set up a firm for the “operational delivery of Fifa tournaments” called Fifa Forward Enterprise, which will effectively control the men’s and women’s World Cups and Club World Cup Fifa would then own the majority share in the company — but investors could purchase 20 to 30 per cent which could amount to billions of dollars Each of Fifa’s 211 member associations would also be given a stake worth approximately £15m which they could keep or sell Infantino would then be in line to run the company after he steps down as head of Fifa One proposed investor is Joshua Kushner — a younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner Comment now