German FA vice-president criticises FIFA’s proposed business deal
The vice-president of the German FA has strongly criticised FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in its competitions, calling it “an outright attack on football.” Hans-Joachim Watzke, who also serves as Borussia Dortmund’s president and a UEFA vice-president, voiced concerns about the proposal. European football leaders, including Aleksander Ceferin, have shown broad opposition to the move. UEFA and CONCACAF have also expressed their disapproval of FIFA’s intentions.
Match highlights
- FIFA announced plans to create a semi-private subsidiary to sell part of its business operations in the World Cup and other competitions.
- The proposal aims to raise $4.2 billion but requires approval from the 38-member FIFA council and a majority of its 211 member associations.
- Hans-Joachim Watzke described the plan as crossing a line and said many in European football share his view.
- UEFA criticised the proposal as a sale of the sport’s “soul,” while CONCACAF voiced concerns about the lack of due process.
- The DFB previously refused to sign a letter supporting Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president.
