FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pushed back against criticism of his plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors, calling the process democratic, according to German outlet WELT.
Infantino described the proposal as a "unique opportunity" for global football, WELT reports. The plan, which could involve a package worth up to $10 billion according to kicker.de, has drawn sharp opposition from European football bodies.
The FIFA president's comments come as the UEFA executive committee has called an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal, Spiegel reports. Bild has described the situation as an "earthquake" in world football, raising questions about whether the sport could fracture over the funding model.
Infantino insists the decision-making process within FIFA remains democratic, countering accusations that the plan bypasses proper governance. The proposal would see FIFA sell commercial rights for future World Cups to outside investors in exchange for upfront cash, a model critics argue could undermine the sport's independence.
According to SZ.de, Infantino has defended the plan as a once-in-a-generation chance to secure FIFA's financial future. No vote on the proposal has been scheduled yet, but the controversy has exposed deep divisions between FIFA and UEFA.
The coming weeks will show whether European football associations can block the plan or force changes to its structure.
