Reaction to FIFA's private investment plan

July 29 - FIFA said on Tuesday that it plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and its other events and will offer stakes of up to 20% in it to external investors.

The following are quotes and reactions on Wednesday.

UEFA STATEMENT

“Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.  This says everything you need to know about this plan.

"But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans."

CONCACAF FEDERATION STATEMENT

"We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place."

ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION STATEMENT

"The AFC firmly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and adequate time to assess the proposal in full, including its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications.

"Such a process is essential to ensuring that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and reinforces confidence in FIFA's governance framework."

FORMER FIFA PRESIDENT SEPP BLATTER, TO REUTERS

"Football belongs to no individual and to no institution. It belongs to the people. If FIFA were transferred into a profit-oriented corporate structure, it would lose its soul."

FRENCH FOOTBALL FEDERATION CHIEF PHILIPPE DIALLO, TO FRANCE INTER RADIO

"Given its direction — specifically, as I understand, bringing investment funds into a commercial entity alongside FIFA — it obviously raises many questions, particularly since we, the member federations, were not involved and we lack the specific information needed to weigh in on matters that are clearly fundamental to the future of football."

ENGLISH FA STATEMENT

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

LALIGA PRESIDENT JAVIER TEBAS, ON SOCIAL MEDIA

"FIFA's competitions and commercial rights are not (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino's personal property. Anyone who mixes politics, discipline, money and power without transparency is not fit to lead anything. Infantino is not the solution to FIFA's governance problems."

CEO OF DANISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ERIK BROGGER RASMUSSEN, TO REUTERS

“In line with UEFA, the Danish Football Association takes this very seriously. This is a proposal that we have only read about in the media.

"It is therefore crucial that we get a full overview of the content and the process. Only on this basis will we be able to discuss the matter in the Danish Football Association and with our colleagues in UEFA, and subsequently respond to the content.”

CZECH FA PRESIDENT DAVID TRUNDA, TO SKY SPORTS

"I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with Gianni Infantino and his team. Of course, we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA's intentions."

UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF GERMAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION HANS-JOACHIM WATZKE, TO KICKER

"A line is being crossed here. There is a strong consensus among the member associations on this matter.

"At the World Cup, six European teams reached the quarter-finals and three made it to the semi-finals. If European football stands united in opposing these plans, it carries significant weight."t

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL CLUBS (EFC) STATEMENT

"EFC notes with serious concern the sudden, unilateral media briefings and announcement by FIFA about a potential new corporate structure for the commercialisation of certain football competitions. It would be wholly appropriate for EFC to be fully consulted on a proposal of such magnitude."

SWEDISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

"The starting point of increasing financial support is important for the development of football, but it is of utmost importance that football itself has control over its rights and how these are managed," a spokesperson said.

"We note and share the legitimate concerns and questions that UEFA has raised about the proposal and will carefully analyse the whole situation."

DUTCH FA KNVB STATEMENT

"Based on what has been made public so far, we consider this a very worrying development for international football.

"There are still many unanswered questions. We also expect to hold discussions on the matter with UEFA and the other European football associations in the near future."

ROMANIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION (FRF) STATEMENT

"FRF categorically opposes the initiative coming from FIFA's leadership. FRF is suspending the discussion regarding the support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a new term, until further clarifications."

FIFPRO EUROPE STATEMENT

"FIFPRO Europe has noted with deep concern the proposal to transform the FIFA World Cup and other FIFA competitions into investable assets for private capital, a move that would fundamentally and irreversibly reshape the incentives underpinning the competitions in which players work, compete and build their careers." REUTERS