‘It should never be proposed again’ – Real Madrid welcome FIFA U-turn on investment proposal
Real Madrid have welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon its controversial plan to sell stakes in the commercial rights of its major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
In a statement published on the club’s official website, the Spanish giants described the decision as a victory for football and said the reversal would be welcomed by millions of supporters around the world.
The club also praised the continental and national football associations that opposed the proposal, arguing that the World Cup and international football should remain assets that belong to fans and the wider football community.
Madrid defend football’s heritage
Real Madrid insisted that international tournaments are events of public interest and should not be treated as commercial assets for private financial gain.
“International football and the World Cup represent, above all, events of public interest, and they constitute a heritage that belongs to nations, to fans and to society as a whole, and therefore they should never be treated as mere financial assets that can be marketed to achieve gains for a limited group.”
The club also stressed the vital role clubs play in developing players before they represent their national teams on the international stage.
According to Los Blancos, clubs bear the responsibility and cost of nurturing football talent and should not be sidelined in decisions involving the future commercial value of major competitions.
Club rejects similar investment models
Real Madrid reiterated its opposition to any proposal that seeks to monetise future football revenues without assuming the associated risks and responsibilities.
“Any initiative aimed at seizing football’s future revenues without bearing the responsibilities that result from them is unacceptable, and it should never be proposed again in any form.”
The club noted that its position is consistent with its earlier rejection of the investment agreement between La Liga and private equity firm CVC, which involved selling a share of future domestic television revenues in exchange for immediate funding.
While Madrid welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal, the statement made no reference to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, instead focusing its appreciation on the football bodies that opposed the plan and helped force its withdrawal.