EU warns Gianni Infantino: World Cup not for sale
European Commission sport commissioner urged national federations to pursue open procedures and pointed to mechanisms that could remove Infantino.
The European Union has publicly challenged FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his suggestion that the World Cup could be sold to private investors, escalating a dispute that already saw many FIFA members withdraw their support.
EU Sport Commissioner Glenn Micallef gave a blunt assessment in a recent interview, telling critics that decisions about the tournament ultimately rest with national associations and federations. "That is a decision that depends on the national associations and federations. I hope they will have the opportunity to carry out an open process in which they can discuss these issues and provide accountability and transparency in relation to them," the commissioner said, and added.
Pressure and possible internal measures
Micallef did not stop at urging an open process. He criticized FIFA's internal oversight, calling the Ethics Committee a "paper tiger," while also pointing to existing mechanisms within the organisation that, he said, could be used to remove the president. "I think the Ethics Committee is only a 'paper tiger', but it is a mechanism that could be used effectively. Within this organization there is a mechanism that could be used for his removal. So, why then don't you support these complaints?" Micallef asked.
The commissioner’s remarks follow a wave of objections to Infantino’s comments about selling rights to the World Cup, a plan that has met resistance from a majority of FIFA member associations. The EU intervention raises the political and reputational stakes for FIFA at a moment when calls for transparency and accountability are intensifying.
For national associations, the implication is clear: any change to the structure or ownership of the tournament should be handled through open, accountable procedures rather than unilateral decisions. The debate is likely to continue within FIFA bodies and among the confederations as federations weigh their next steps.
Earlier domestic sporting news noted that North Macedonia recently hosted a development tournament featuring Moldova, Turkey and Montenegro.
Photo: press material from the event
