World Cup must be kept out of private hands - Chelsea manager Alonso

English Premier League football club Chelsea’s team Manager Xabi Alonso speaks during a press conference in Sydney on July 27, 2026. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said on Friday football must be kept out of private hands and remain “for the people” after FIFA proposed selling a stake in the business operations of the World Cup.

The Spanish World Cup winner backed UEFA’s staunch opposition to the plan to create a commercial subsidiary to run FIFA’s biggest events and allow private investors to acquire stakes in the company.

“I think that football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said in Sydney, where the London club are on a pre-season tour.

“And I think that’s the way we love it. We have seen a great World Cup, and some things they (should) stay the same way. So it’s good to defend the interests from other people.”