Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Backs UEFA Opposition to FIFA World Cup Commercialisation Plan

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has joined growing criticism of FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, saying the global game should remain accessible to everyone rather than private investors.

The former Spain midfielder made the remarks in Sydney on Friday during Chelsea’s pre-season tour, throwing his support behind UEFA’s resistance to the proposal.

“I think that football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said.

He argued that the World Cup’s unique appeal should be preserved.

“And I think that’s the way we love it. We have seen a great World Cup, and some things they (should) stay the same way. So it’s good to defend the interests from other people.”

UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with the plan, insisting that football should not be controlled by investors focused primarily on financial returns.

Meanwhile, FIFA has defended the proposal, saying it will continue with an “open and democratic” consultation process and estimating that the initiative could generate up to $4.2 billion.

Alonso, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, said he hopes football stakeholders prevent the proposal from becoming reality.

“Hopefully it won’t happen.”

“I think that it’s the common feeling of football people that we want something that we keep in the hands of everyone, that it’s for all the people. So hopefully it won’t happen.”

He said maintaining the authenticity of football is what continues to make tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, Champions League and Premier League emotionally powerful for supporters around the world.

Under FIFA’s governance process, the proposal would require the approval of both the 38-member FIFA Council and a majority of the organisation’s 211 member associations.

Chelsea, under Alonso’s leadership, opened their pre-season campaign with a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers and are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney on Saturday.

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