UEFA president Alexander Cheferin stated that the trust in football has not been fully restored, despite the cancellation of a contentious private investment project proposed by FIFA. Speaking at the Portuguese Football Summit via video link on September 23, 2026, Cheferin emphasized that rebuilding this trust is a significant challenge for football officials. He highlighted the importance of unity, transparency, and good governance in football.
Cheferin expressed concerns that some officials prioritized personal ambitions over the interests of football during the recent period. Although he did not mention Gianni Infantino or FIFA by name, his comments appeared to be related to a project that would have sold a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including World Cup rights, to private investors. The plan was canceled in July 2026 due to opposition from UEFA and other continental associations.
The UEFA president reiterated that football "is not for sale," a message that the European governing body continues to emphasize. Cheferin's comments come after Infantino proposed an independent review of FIFA's governance framework for major strategic initiatives. Infantino also suggested exploring ways to enhance transparency, accountability, and decision-making processes within FIFA.
Infantino's proposal was made in a letter to the FIFA Council and national association presidents. The move is seen as an attempt to address concerns about FIFA's governance and transparency. Meanwhile, Cheferin stressed that the future of football depends on the ability of its administrators to prioritize the interests of the sport as a whole.
The controversy surrounding FIFA's private investment project has sparked debate about the governance and transparency of international football. Cheferin's comments reflect the concerns of UEFA and other stakeholders about the potential risks of private investment in football. The UEFA president emphasized the need for football administrators to prioritize the interests of the sport.
The cancellation of FIFA's private investment project was seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about football governance. Cheferin's comments suggest that UEFA will continue to push for greater transparency and accountability within FIFA. The UEFA president's emphasis on unity and good governance reflects the concerns of European football stakeholders.
The debate about football governance is ongoing, with various stakeholders calling for greater transparency and accountability. Cheferin's comments highlight the challenges facing football administrators in rebuilding trust and ensuring that the sport is governed in the best interests of all stakeholders. The future of football will depend on the ability of its administrators to prioritize the interests of the sport.
Key points
- UEFA president Alexander Cheferin says football's trust hasn't been restored despite the cancellation of FIFA's controversial private investment project.
