Bloomberg predicted a split in world football due to the sale of the rights to the World Cup

A split is brewing in world football due to the desire of the head of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, to sell a share of the commercial rights to the World Cup to private investors. This was reported by Bloomberg on July 31.

"FIFA will continue to implement plans to privatize its commercial activities, despite threats from influential European countries to boycott the World Cup," the publication says.

FIFA stressed that it was not a question of "selling football," but that the final decision on the proposal should be made by the organization's member associations. The plan provides for the sale of a share of the new commercial structure to external investors in order to raise up to $4.2 billion at its valuation of $20 billion.

"The confrontation between the two most influential organizations in football risks plunging the sport into chaos," Bloomberg noted.

According to the agency, the plan must be put to the vote of 211 FIFA member associations by September 19, and FIFA is seeking to obtain a majority of votes to implement it.

"Infantino's proposal includes the creation of a new unit called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which will manage the organization's media and commercial rights and sell shares in this company, which is a radical change for this 122—year-old non-profit organization," the article said.

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Infantino's plans to attract private investors to finance the organization by selling them its rights to tournaments became known on July 28. At the same time, information appeared about the launch of a consultation process for the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which should combine the commercial rights of the organization — broadcasting, sponsorship, ticket sales and licensing — with operational activities for tournaments.

After that, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced a boycott of FIFA tournaments on July 30 due to Infantino's plans. The participants were urged not to doubt their intention to defend their own interests and resist Infantino's plans, which "have no place in world football." The idea of the head of FIFA, as explained, is aimed at maximizing financial benefits and was initially discussed in secret from other industry representatives.