Estonian FA president warns FIFA plan could take football out of football people's hands
Aivar Pohlak, president of the Estonian Football Association, voiced concerns over FIFA's proposal to allow private investors into World Cup ownership, aligning with UEFA's unanimous rejection.
Estonian Football Association (EJL) president Aivar Pohlak has expressed alarm over FIFA's intention to partially privatize its flagship tournaments, including the World Cup. Pohlak, along with EJL secretary general Mihkel Uiboleht, participated in an extraordinary UEFA online meeting on Thursday, aimed at forging a united stance on the issue.
According to Pohlak, European football associations identify three major concerns with FIFA's scheme. Firstly, governance: decision-making authority in football must remain exclusively with football stakeholders. Secondly, process: the plan was developed without any consultation with national associations, confederations, or other interested parties. Thirdly, money: there is no justification for involving private investors to support member associations, as this would create a channel for funds to leave the sport. FIFA already generates revenue through its competitions and will continue to do so, Pohlak argued. He confirmed full support for UEFA's joint declaration issued after the meeting.
UEFA and its 55 member associations delivered a strong rebuke, unanimously and unequivocally rejecting FIFA's proposal to grant private investors ownership interests in the World Cup and other competitions. In an official release, UEFA stated that the World Cup must not be turned into an investment product. It is a sporting legacy built by generations of players, national teams, and fans worldwide, and no part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. 'The World Cup is not for sale,' the statement concluded.
FIFA, meanwhile, says it will keep consulting member associations about selling up to a 20 percent stake in a newly created company that would manage the World Cup and other major events. UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over the plan, warning of serious consequences for the sport's future. Other confederations have also voiced reservations. FIFA insists that no decision will be made without member approval and rejects the notion that it is selling football. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has framed the proposal as a democratization of football. According to reports, many of the private investors are linked to associates of US President Donald Trump, whose close relationship with Infantino drew attention during the recent World Cup hosted in North America.
