FC Bayern President slams Infantino’s “farce” World Cup investment plans

Herbert Hainer has made no secret of his opposition to Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer.

Photo: Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images.

In one of the week’s biggest football stories, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly floated plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, sparking widespread criticism from across the footballing world.

Ahead of Bayern Munich’s departure for their pre-season tour of Asia, club president Herbert Hainer was asked about the proposal and did not hold back in his assessment.

“First off, I have to say, it’s a stroke of luck that this farce passed as quickly as it came and that this absurd idea is off the table.”

Hainer also criticised the way the proposal was handled, questioning the lack of communication with football’s governing bodies.

“I think UEFA has made it very clear that they missed a lack of transparency and also spoke of a loss of trust. Because just imagine: No one was in the loop beforehand. All the associations were caught off guard, and it was suddenly on the table overnight.”

The Bayern president warned that allowing outside investors into the sport’s biggest tournament could have serious long-term consequences for football.

“Football must remain football. As the top governing body, FIFA’s job is to organize football. If outside investors want a say, there’s always the risk that the core principles and structures of football will be attacked. That could affect kickoff times, it could mean multiple hydration breaks - I can imagine all sorts of things.”

Hainer concluded by praising UEFA’s firm response, insisting the proposal should never resurface.

“I think we now need to ensure that an idea like this never comes back to the table. I’m firmly convinced of that and very glad that UEFA took such a strong stance, putting an end to this farce.”