Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has joined the growing criticism of FIFA’s proposed plan to sell minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary to private investors, insisting the World Cup should always belong to the fans.
FIFA recently unveiled plans to establish a $20 billion commercial entity, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, to manage the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions.
The proposal has sparked widespread opposition from football stakeholders, with UEFA leading the backlash over concerns that the move could compromise the governance and integrity of the global game.
Speaking to the BBC, Ancelotti stressed that football’s biggest tournament should remain a celebration for supporters around the world.
“After all, I believe that the World Cup is the World Cup, and the World Cup belongs to the fans, the people, to all the people in the world. It’s a truly beautiful moment.
“I hope that neither UEFA nor FIFA will ruin this celebration for the whole world.”
Ancelotti’s comments add to a growing list of influential figures voicing concern over FIFA’s plans.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has strongly condemned the proposal, saying “the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade,” while accusing FIFA of attempting to “enrich themselves and their friends.”
The English Football Association has also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal, while La Liga president Javier Tebas described the plan as “more dangerous than the European Super League.”
Several European football associations, including Germany, Norway, Belgium and Spain, have reportedly united in opposition to the proposal and are exploring measures to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s leadership.
Opposition has also emerged outside Europe, with both CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressing disappointment over not being consulted before the announcement.
FIFA, however, maintains that the proposed commercial subsidiary will generate additional revenue that will be reinvested into football development worldwide while retaining majority ownership and control of the competitions.
