Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has lashed out at the organization's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup, warning that the 'people's game' is at risk of losing its soul.

Key Takeaways

  • FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other major events.
  • Up to 20% stake in this new entity may be offered to external private investors.
  • Former President Sepp Blatter warns that commercializing the tournament threatens football's essence.
  • European authorities, including UEFA, have expressed strong opposition to the plan.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has launched a blistering attack on the football governing body's controversial plan to establish a $20 billion subsidiary dedicated to running the World Cup. Blatter argued that the tournament is not a commercial asset for a handful of executives but a global cultural heritage that belongs to the fans.

Speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, Blatter emphasized the sanctity of the sport, stating, "Football belongs to no individual and to no institution. It belongs to the people." He warned that transitioning FIFA into a profit-oriented corporate structure would strip the organization of its fundamental identity.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this move represents a fundamental shift in the governance of global sports. By inviting private equity into the core management of the World Cup, FIFA risks prioritizing shareholder returns over the sporting integrity and the grassroots interests of its members. This tension between commercial expansion and traditional stewardship could reshape the football landscape forever.

"FIFA is the guardian of the World Cup, not its owner." — Sepp Blatter

The proposal, confirmed by FIFA on Tuesday, involves offering up to a 20 percent stake in the new subsidiary to external investors. This move has already ignited a firestorm of criticism from UEFA and other European football authorities, who view the decision as an attempt to put the world's most prestigious football tournament up for sale.

Historical Background

Sepp Blatter presided over FIFA for 17 years until his departure in 2015. His tenure saw unprecedented global growth for the sport, though it was also marked by significant administrative controversies. He has since become a vocal critic of the current leadership under Gianni Infantino, particularly regarding the commercial direction of the game.

Did You Know?: The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event on the planet, surpassing even the Olympic Games in viewership.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FIFA's new proposal?
FIFA intends to create a new subsidiary to manage the World Cup and offer 20% ownership to external investors to raise capital.

2. Why is Sepp Blatter opposing this?
Blatter believes that turning the World Cup into a commercial investment product will alienate fans and destroy the spirit of the game.