European football's governing body, Uefa, has reacted with strong disapproval to reports that FIFA plans to seek private investment for its competitions, including the World Cup. The global football governing body, FIFA, has stated its intention to increase football development funding to over $10 billion, citing a desire to grow the sport, pending approval from its member associations.
Reports first surfaced in the Financial Times and The Times, with the latter suggesting that these plans could result in FIFA president Gianni Infantino earning tens of millions of pounds. Uefa issued a statement in response to these reports, asserting that "This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross." The organization further stated, "None of us are the owners of football. [The World Cup] is not FIFA's to sell."