Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso voiced strong opposition on Friday to FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup’s business operations. Speaking during a pre-season tour in Sydney, the former Spanish international emphasized that the sport should remain accessible to the public rather than falling into private control.
Alonso expressed his support for UEFA’s firm stance against the plan, which would involve creating a commercial subsidiary to manage FIFA events. UEFA has threatened to boycott the tournament, arguing that the sport should not be driven by a primary objective of maximizing financial returns. FIFA, however, maintains that the move could generate up to $4.2 billion and insists the consultation process will be open and democratic.
Reflecting on his experience as a 2010 World Cup winner, Alonso stated that the passion surrounding major tournaments like the World Cup, the Champions League, and the Premier League stems from the game being accessible to all. He expressed a hope that the proposal would be rejected, ensuring that football retains its authenticity. The plan currently faces a hurdle, as it requires approval from the 38-member FIFA council and a majority of its 211 member associations.
