"We must not let it become a pawn in the hands of investors. We must not lose the fans' support, but we are well on our way to squandering that support. I consider this extremely problematic and unacceptable."
Those were the words of the head of Germany's football association, the DFB, in response to FIFA's plan to form a commercial subsidiary to sell to private investors. Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB president, is on the FIFA Council, which FIFA describes as its "main decision making body" but was blindsided by Tuesday's proposal.
The Day with Brent Goff – Missiles from North KoreaTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoNeuendorf said he "had to learn the news from the newspaper. That's no way to treat people." He said Infantino's method was "extremely troubling. When you sit on the committee, you want to be able to actively participate in decisions and express your opinion. That has to be a process, but none of that is happening at FIFA — not on important issues, and especially not now with the investor issue."
Bundesliga clubs slam FIFA World Cup plan
As well as widespread fan discontent, expressed via social media, leading German clubs have voiced their dissatisfaction with the plans.
