**Ex-FIFA Chief Sepp Blatter Criticizes Plan to Sell Stake in World Cup**
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has expressed strong opposition to the football governing body’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of a $20 billion subsidiary aimed at managing the World Cup and other events. Blatter, who held the presidency from 1998 until 2015, stated that the World Cup should not be treated as a commercial asset for a select group of executives.
In comments made to Reuters, Blatter emphasized that "Football belongs to no individual and to no institution. It belongs to the people." His remarks come in response to FIFA's plan, which includes offering up to 20 percent of the new subsidiary to external investors. This initiative has sparked significant backlash from various football authorities, particularly in Europe, including UEFA, which accused FIFA of commodifying the sport.
Blatter further articulated his concerns, stating, “If FIFA were transferred into a profit-oriented corporate structure, it would lose its soul.” He argued that the World Cup should not be viewed as an investment opportunity for private equity firms seeking financial returns. Instead, he described the tournament as an integral part of the cultural heritage of football worldwide.
The former FIFA president expressed his shock at the proposal, noting that he would never have considered such a move during his tenure. He underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of football, which he believes has thrived for over a century because it is inherently linked to the people and their communities.
Blatter’s remarks highlight a growing concern among football stakeholders regarding the commercialization of the sport. He asserted that the principles of football should remain unchanged, emphasizing that FIFA should act as a guardian of the World Cup rather than treating it as a proprietary asset.
As FIFA moves forward with its plans, the debate over the commercialization of football and its potential implications for the sport's future continues to intensify.