FOOTBALL – Australia’s players union yesterday joined criticism of Fifa’s plan to bring private investors into soccer’s World Cup and other events, saying the governing body is putting pressure on member associations to wave it through despite the proposal sidelining the athletes and fans who generate the value of the tournaments.
Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) said the game was confronting a battle for its soul as commercial interests seek more influence over its pinnacle competitions.
“The PFA is disturbed by the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal and the absence of meaningful consultation with those that generate the value that Fifa is seeking to exploit – the players and the fans,” the union said in a scathing statement.
“At a time when football desperately requires greater transparency, accountability and good governance, proposals of this significance raise questions about who the game is run by and in whose interests. These tournaments should not be for sale.”
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