BRUSSELS, 29 July. - (ANA) - Furious European Commissioner for Sport, Glenn Micallef, has vowed that the EC will investigate Fifa’s controversial proposals to sell stakes in a new commercial entity to outside investors.

 

Football’s world governing body on Monday revealed plans to raise $4bn by selling minority holdings in a new vehicle, Fifa Forward Enterprise, that would control all commercial rights to the World Cup and Club World Cup.

 

The bombshell provoked a furious backlash, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European governing body Uefa among those slamming the scheme in echoes of the revolt which greeted the aborted European Super League five years ago.

 

“This isn’t baseball. The Fifa World Cup remains the greatest sporting tournament on the planet, despite Fifa exploiting every commercial opportunity. But enough is enough,” Micallef wrote on social media.

 

“The relentless commercialisation of football has become corrosive. It’s threatening the things that made football the world’s most popular sport. This means we all have a responsibility. Players, fans, clubs, leagues, national associations, confederations and the media all have a voice, and all should use it.

 

“Particular concern arises when Fifa’s regulatory powers become aligned with the financial interests of private entities. When the value of investments depends on decisions made by Fifa. That raises profound questions about governance, independence and conflicts of interest.

 

“These are also proposals that raise important competition law considerations. As the CJEU [European Court of Justice] consistently recognised, sporting rules are subject to EU law where they produce economic effects. Within the scope of its competences under the Treaties, the European Commission will study these proposals carefully.

 

“I also support Uefa and calls from stakeholders for more scrutiny. Every FA must engage meaningfully including with leagues, clubs, players and supporters before taking a position. Commercial success should strengthen football, not consume it. Hands off our game.”   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/29 July 2026 - - -