UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said trust in world football remains broken despite FIFA scrapping its plan to sell a stake in commercial rights. The comment follows months of controversy over the proposed deal.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said on Friday, 23 September 2026, that trust in world football remains broken after FIFA abandoned its controversial plan to sell a stake in its commercial rights to private investors.
Background of the dispute
Earlier in 2026, FIFA announced a proposal to sell 20% of its commercial rights to a consortium of investors, sparking fierce criticism from clubs, national associations, and players. European federations, led by UEFA, warned that private ownership could distort revenue distribution and undermine the sport's integrity.
- Potential investors: European and Asian investment funds.
- Key objections: reduced share for smaller clubs and increased private control.
- Initial outcome: the plan was postponed and sent for internal review.
After the plan was scrapped, Ceferin stated that “trust is still broken” and that “the collaborative work between FIFA and continental bodies must be rebuilt from the ground up.” He added that UEFA will focus on greater transparency and a fairer financial model.
Future implications
Discussions on global football governance are expected to continue, with alternative proposals likely to emerge for revenue sharing. Upcoming meetings between FIFA and continental confederations are anticipated to feature intensive sessions aimed at designing a new financing framework that includes all stakeholders.
Fans and the media will closely monitor any steps taken to restore confidence between FIFA, UEFA, and clubs, as pressure mounts to modernize the sport’s financial system.
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