04.08.2026, 10:18 Uhr
Germany great Lothar Matthäus has sharply criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his plans to sell World Cup rights to private investors.
"He chose one of the worst possible timings ever for his plans. Besides, to me, there's hardly anything more absurd than this idea," Matthäus wrote in his column for broadcaster Sky.
Infantino has certainly done "some right things in the past," and not everything was wrong during his tenure, "even if it's always about money with him," Matthäus wrote.
"But now he's gone too far. He was either poorly advised or didn't seek advice at all," the former Germany player said. Infantino is "probably getting his due retribution now and exactly what many of his opponents have been hoping for."
Last week, Infantino unveiled plans worth billions to sell World Cup rights to private investors. Following major protests, including UEFA's threat of a World Cup boycott, the FIFA boss withdrew the proposal.
Infantino, who has headed the association since 2016, has faced fierce criticism as a result.
Source: Dpa-international.com
