France summons European bodies to block FIFA’s private‑investment push

Sports Minister Marina Ferrari used her X account to warn that FIFA’s plan to open its commercial activities to private investors threatens football’s integrity, prompting France to call an emergency meeting of European football bodies for Wednesday in the marble corridors of the Ministry of Sports.

The warning was issued in a statement titled “Football is not for sale”, which Ferrari shared on X. The title underscores her stance that the sport should stay beyond commercial profiteering.

Ferrari described Gianni Infantino’s proposal as a “major shift”, adding that it raises “extremely serious questions” about the governance and future of world football. She warned that such a transformation could alter the balance of the game.

The minister argued that European stakeholders must speak “with one voice” to protect football’s integrity. She called for a unified response to any moves that could jeopardise the sport’s core values.

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Ferrari stressed that a change of this magnitude cannot be decided without transparency or consultation with federations and football stakeholders. She emphasized that any decision must involve open dialogue with all parties concerned.

She warned that football governance should not be decided “behind closed doors” nor be guided solely by financial interests. The minister cautioned against allowing private profit motives to dictate the sport’s direction.

The French government said it will remain “particularly vigilant” about the project’s development, demanding transparent, democratic governance. It concluded with a firm warning: “No red line can be crossed”.

The summons highlights France’s broader concern that football’s commercial future be shaped openly rather than behind closed doors. The call signals a demand for democratic oversight of any private‑investment initiatives.