Fifa’s justification for its proposed plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors is about giving the 211 member associations more money to develop football. It’s safe to say that in the past, funds have done more developing in some places than in others, with millions either going missing or not being used for their original purpose and Fifa too often shutting the stable door after the horse, laden with cash, has ambled out.
The reaction has been swift. Uefa has declared its outrage, Concacaf – the North, Central American and Caribbean governing body – has gone for concern and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is disappointed at the lack of consultation. From the Confederation of African Football (Caf), there is, as yet, no word. Asia and Africa have over the years provided Gianni Infantino with steadfast support. There were murmurs over the Fifa president’s close relationship with Donald Trump during the World Cup, especially during the Folarin Balogun affair, but extra cash may help prevent anything louder coming out of Kuala Lumpur or Cairo.
