The European Football Union (UEFA) has sharply criticized Gianni Infantino, president of world football's governing body FIFA, for failing to meet any of his promises and severely undermining trust in global football. This comes after Infantino withdrew a controversial proposal known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, which aimed to sell minority shares in commercial rights of the World Cup to private investors. UEFA stated that the entire affair has seriously damaged confidence in the top echelons of world football. UEFA welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal to sell shares in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The suggestion was unanimously rejected by UEFA member associations, as well as numerous other federations and confederations around the world. UEFA emphasized that they cannot continue with secret plans being pushed through in haste, devised by anonymous individuals whose interests in football are questionable at best. They stressed the need to identify those responsible and hold them accountable, stating that the situation has significantly undermined trust in the leadership of world football. Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, had promised complete transparency and stated that FIFA's money would be used for the development of football rather than other interests. However, UEFA pointed out that these promises have not been fulfilled. The plan he attempted to push forward was anything but transparent. With reserves exceeding five billion dollars, there was no need to sell part of the most valuable competition in world football, according to officials in Nyon, UEFA's headquarters. Arsène Wenger, a former legendary coach of Arsenal and currently working within FIFA, defended himself against allegations of involvement in the controversial initiative. He clarified that his role within FIFA involves overseeing data analysis related to the game, managing the organization's online education center, and developing programs for young players across 60 academies in 60 countries where they are most needed, as well as organizing youth tournaments worldwide. He emphasized that his responsibilities are tied to technical issues and rules of the game, not strategic decisions that led to the current crisis. Wenger further explained that he serves as a technical advisor to FIFA's council dealing with the rules of football and had not participated in the strategic plan that caused the controversy. He supported the withdrawal of the proposal, stating that FIFA must maintain independence and operate transparently. He concluded that the decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary, and he strongly believes in the existence of an independent FIFA that faithfully and transparently serves the sport. Infantino, who currently earns approximately three million euros annually as FIFA president, could have earned up to thirty million euros per year if his plan had succeeded. These calculations contradict his statements that he would never use his position as FIFA president for personal financial gain. Since presenting the idea of selling shares in the World Cup, criticism against him has grown louder, and his potential departure from FIFA is being discussed. FIFA continues with plans to expand the World Cup to 64 teams starting in 2030 and has opened a tender for research companies to assess economic benefits in an unusually accelerated timeframe. The Guardian published an "research summary" outlining the consultation process for evaluating the potential expansion from the current 48 teams. The winning company, to be selected on August 14, will have only four weeks to analyze the proposed expansion. FIFA requested that the analysis be submitted by September 11, indicating that a decision might be made this year. The study will raise further questions about FIFA's management, just days after revelations about Infantino's plans to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors. UEFA has already threatened to boycott future tournaments if FIFA does not delay the schedule, and further unrest is likely due to the proposal to continue expanding to 64 teams. Another indicator of questionable management is that member associations were not informed about the tender before it was announced. In the call for tenders, FIFA explains that it is considering the strategic implications of potentially expanding the World Cup beyond the current format. It seeks an assessment of the impact on tournament revenues and "changes in the football ecosystem." Agencies must submit their proposals for conducting research by July 7. Infantino stated on July 12 that the expansion is a question to be considered and debated in relevant committees after this World Cup. Speculation has grown in football circles that Infantino might support such a move. This prompted South American governing body Conmebol, whose president Alejandro Domínguez has reignited the idea following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final. The 2030 World Cup will mainly be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, but individual matches are scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tournament. Expansion would likely allow each of these countries to host at least one group stage. UEFA and Concacaf have openly opposed further expansion of the World Cup, and FIFA's decision to proceed despite this opposition could intensify resistance against the world governing body. FIFA's research summary requests an analysis of how different stakeholders might support or oppose any expansion, as well as conclusions regarding player welfare, product quality, and international calendars. It instructs the responsible agency to determine "estimated revenues from ticket sales, sponsorships, and media rights generated overall and specifically by the 64-team format." If FIFA confirms the switch to a 64-team format, it would mean a brief lifespan for the 48-team format, which debuted this summer. Between 1998 and 2022, each World Cup featured 32 teams. The short time allocated for assessing such a major change will be subject to doubt, which could also affect the number of suitable future hosts or regions.
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