Germany Football Association vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke has criticised FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, describing the move as a threat to football.
FIFA announced plans to establish a semi-private subsidiary that would handle parts of its commercial operations, with the initiative expected to generate about $4.2 billion.
The proposal requires approval from the FIFA Council and a majority of its 211 member associations before it can be implemented.
Watzke, who is also president of Borussia Dortmund and a vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee, joined growing opposition to the plan, saying European football stakeholders believe the move crosses a line.
“Many in European football see FIFA’s plans as an outright attack on football. I share this view. A line has been crossed here,” Watzke told Kicker.
“There is broad agreement on this among the member associations, as several conversations I’ve had with (UEFA boss) Aleksander Ceferin and other colleagues in recent days have shown me.”
The 67-year-old pointed to Europe’s strong performances at the World Cup, suggesting that European football bodies could coordinate efforts to challenge the proposal.
