According to British media reports, British Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healy said he was proud of the efforts by English and European football authorities to prevent FIFA from selling World Cup-related interests to private investors, and believed the proposal was close to failing.
Healy told reporters: "I think FIFA's plans are falling apart, and I am very proud that the FA and UEFA have taken the lead in opposing the sale of the World Cup."
Healy's statement comes as opposition in Europe intensifies. FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to establish a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise to integrate FIFA's commercial operations and tournament organization, and to open up some shares to private investors.
FIFA previously stated that the new company is valued at approximately $20 billion and is expected to raise over $4 billion through private investment. FIFA also emphasized that it will retain full control over the company, football governance, tournament scheduling, and sporting decisions.
This plan has angered UEFA and national football associations across Europe. They believe that introducing World Cup-related commercial value to private investors has crossed a red line.
UEFA member associations have threatened not to participate in FIFA events as long as the proposal remains in place, unless FIFA abandons the proposal and guarantees that its governance or event arrangements will not be opened to private capital.
FIFA stated that the goal of establishing FIFA Forward Enterprise is to raise more than $10 billion for football development in the coming years, while increasing funding allocated to the 211 national football associations.
