Eric Alagidede has called on FIFA’s member associations to reject President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to open World Cup competitions to private investment, warning that the move could over-commercialise football and make the game less accessible to supporters.
FIFA is seeking approval from its 211 member associations to establish a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee its major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Under the proposal, external investors would be allowed to acquire minority, non-controlling stakes in the new entity. Reports indicate member associations that back the plan could receive up to $40 million in funding.
Reacting to the proposal in an interview with Luv FM, Alagidede argued that football should not be turned into a purely commercial product at the expense of the fans.
“You cannot commercialise everything and make it so expensive for people to find it is very difficult to watch the game that they love. We should not over-commercialise football,” he said.
The former Accra Great Olympics General Manager also questioned whether funds generated through the initiative would be used for their intended purpose, while insisting the proposal could damage FIFA’s image and further distance supporters from the sport.
“Truth also be told: when some of these monies arrive, they will end up not being used for the purposes for which they are meant. So for me, I think it’s something we shouldn’t back. It’s something that would really take a lot away from FIFA. The game is for the fans,” he added.
Alagidede’s comments come amid growing opposition to the proposal. UEFA has already indicated it could boycott future World Cups if the plan is approved, while Concacaf has also publicly rejected the initiative. FIFA members are expected to vote on the proposal before the September 19 deadline set by Infantino.