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WM 2026July 30, 2026

Eberl: "It disgusts me" - CAF open to Infantino's plans

FIFA plans to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors. This news causes excitement in football.

Eberl: "It disgusts me" - CAF open to Infantino's plans

According to Newsfeed.

Background

Roland Eberl, former sports director of Borussia Mönchengladbach and a well-known voice in German football, has spoken out clearly against FIFA's plans. His critical comments reflect the concerns of many officials who fear that the interests of investors could be put ahead of those of football and players.

Why this is important

FIFA's plans to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors could significantly change the structure and integrity of football. Critics, including Roland Eberl, warn against commercialization that focuses on the interests of investors rather than on the development of the game and the players. This discussion could have far-reaching implications for the future direction of tournaments and the role of associations.

Key findings

  • Eberl: "It disgusts me" - CAF open to Infantino's plans.
  • FIFA plans to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.
  • Eberl: "It disgusts me" - CAF open to Infantino's plans.
The news caused excitement and outrage: FIFA is apparently planning to sell shares in the upcoming World Cup to private investors. This would mean that future tournaments would no longer belong exclusively to football and associations, but that commercial investors would also have a say in the tournaments. These plans are not yet official, but will be presented at the upcoming FIFA Congress in March in Kigali, Rwanda. The President of the African Football Association CAF, Patrice Motsepe, has already indicated that his association would probably agree to FIFA's plans. In an interview with AFP news agency, Motsepe said: "CAF will support whatever FIFA does to generate more revenue." This statement raises eyebrows in football, because while FIFA and associations like CAF talk about more income, it is primarily about the interests of investors. It is feared that investors will exploit football and the players primarily for their own interests. Many officials in other associations also see it that way. For example, the former sports director of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Roland Eberl, who also worked for German football in the past, was very critical of FIFA's plans. Eberl said on his Instagram account: "It disgusts me!" And further: “The World Cup shares belong the associations that fought for them for their countries and their players. They don't belong in the pockets of investment firms that are only interested in making a profit." Eberl is not the only official who expresses criticism. The president of the Asian Football Association, Shaikh Salman, has also expressed concerns in the past and was against FIFA's plans. The European football association UEFA and most associations in Europe have not yet commented on the plans. However, FIFA can count on the support of the African and Asian associations, as the presidents of both associations have one in common INTEREST ALLOCATION was formed, which will distribute all future income of FIFA, and it can be assumed that the members of this alliance also want to generate more income by participating in World Cup shares from investors. How things will develop remains to be seen, but it is a fact that FIFA's plans are causing a lot of excitement and outrage in football.

What happens next

FIFA plans to present its proposals at the upcoming congress in Kigali in March. It remains to be seen what the reactions of the various associations and the public will be. Given the concerns already raised, there could be intense debates about the future financing and organization of the World Championships.

Frequently asked questions

What is FIFA planning for the World Cup?

FIFA plans to sell shares in the upcoming World Cups to private investors.

Who confirmed FIFA's plans?

The president of the African Football Confederation CAF, Patrice Motsepe, has indicated that his association would probably agree to FIFA's plans.

Why are these plans being presented now?

The plans are to be presented at the upcoming FIFA Congress in March in Kigali (Rwanda).

What changes could result from the plans?

The future tournaments could no longer belong exclusively to football and the associations, so Commercial investors also have a say.

How do officials react to FIFA's plans?

Officials like Roland Eberl are critical and fear that investors will exploit football and the players.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is FIFA planning for the World Cup?
FIFA plans to sell shares in the upcoming World Cups to private investors.
Who confirmed FIFA's plans?
The president of the African Football Confederation CAF, Patrice Motsepe, has indicated that his association would probably agree to FIFA's plans.
Why are these plans being presented now?
The plans are to be presented at the upcoming FIFA Congress in March in Kigali (Rwanda).
What changes could the plans bring about?
Future tournaments could no longer belong exclusively to football and associations, but commercial investors could also have a say.
How are officials reacting to FIFA's plans?
Officials like Roland Eberl are critical and fear that investors will exploit football and the players.
What happened in this story?
Eberl: "It disgusts me" - CAF open to Infantino's plans summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.