Xabi Alonso Warns Against Selling Football to Private Investors

(Xabi Alonso. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)

After FIFA proposed selling a stake in the World Cup’s economic operations, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated on Friday that football must stay “for the people” and not be sold to private investors.

The Spanish World Cup champion endorsed UEFA’s vehement resistance to the plan to establish a commercial subsidiary to administer FIFA’s major events and allow private investors to purchase stakes in the organization.

Alonso said in Sydney, where the London club are on a pre-season tour, that football has to belong to the people rather than remain in private hands, adding that this is how it should be loved and cherished.

Pointing to the recent World Cup as an example of the sport at its best, and arguing that some traditions ought to remain unchanged in order to defend the interests of ordinary football fans.

European football’s governing body, UEFA, said it was prepared to boycott the World Cup over the proposal, insisting that the sport cannot be dictated by the interests of those whose primary duty is to maximise financial returns.

FIFA, however, vowed on Friday to press ahead with an open and democratic consultation with stakeholders, arguing that the plan could generate as much as $4.2 billion.

Alonso, who was a key member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, expressed hope that the proposal would not go through, saying it is the shared feeling among football people that the game should remain something held collectively, belonging to everyone rather than a select few.

He said he hopes the sport retains the attractiveness and authenticity that generate the passion and emotion seen at the World Cup, the Champions League and the Premier League, precisely because football belongs to everyone.

FIFA’s plan would require approval from the 38-member FIFA Council and the majority of its 211 member associations.

Chelsea beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 this week in what was Alonso’s first game in charge.

They are set to face fellow English Premier League side Tottenham in Sydney on Saturday.