Europe’s football fans push back against FIFA’s World Cup stake sale
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has openly criticised FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, arguing that the governing body is attempting to extract value created by fans, players and broadcasters for private investors.
The criticism is backed by a unanimous vote among UEFA member nations to boycott FIFA tournaments, a stance echoed by the Asian and North American confederations, signalling a coordinated front against the proposal.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, underscoring the depth of disagreement within football’s leadership.
A call for transparency and shared governance
Stuart Dykes, FSE’s director of European and Institutional Affairs, warned that decisions of this magnitude cannot be made behind closed doors by non‑football stakeholders. He stressed that the sport’s value is generated by the entire community, not by a handful of investors.
Dykes added that the entire football ecosystem supports UEFA’s stance, urging reforms that place fans and stakeholders at the centre of governance rather than allowing opaque financial maneuvers.
The growing opposition reflects a broader demand for accountability and a re‑imagining of how major tournaments are managed, with many calling for a more inclusive decision‑making process.