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The Economic Times
The Economic Times
National

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso joins the debate as FIFA's commercialisation plan sparks concerns over football's future

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has joined the growing opposition to FIFA's proposal to open the commercial arm of the FIFA World Cup to private investors, saying the sport should remain accessible to fans rather than becoming a commercially controlled asset.

Speaking during Chelsea's pre-season tour in Australia, the former Spain international said football's enduring appeal stemmed from its connection with supporters and warned against shifting control of the game's marquee tournament into private hands.

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