Fifa accused of ‘selling the soul of football’ over $20bn World Cup commercial rights sale plan

FIFA has announced plans to sell the commercial rights to its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors in a deal reportedly worth $20 billion, sparking immediate backlash from UEFA, leading European clubs, and politicians. UEFA released a strongly worded statement accusing FIFA of 'attempting to sell the soul of football' and is considering legal action against the proposal. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also condemned the move.