×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

'Hands off our game,' EU tells FIFA over private investor plans

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

FIFA's president Gianni Infantino during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. [Leo Barrilari/AFP]

EU sports chief Glenn Micallef on Wednesday hit out at FIFA's plans to sell a stake in its competitions, including the World Cup, warning international football's governing body: "Hands off our game."

"The relentless commercialisation of football has become corrosive," he said on X, adding: "Commercial success should strengthen football, not consume it."

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Sports
Kenyan teens brave Dakar heat to storm Youth Olympics podium
Football
Kenya's Emerging Stars face stern Ivory Coast test in U-23 AFCON qualifying race
Football
Mombasa United losing unity
Football
Olunga, Marcelo return to Harambee Stars fold ahead of South Africa duel