FIFA’s failed investment plans have sparked heated debate around the world. While numerous officials and club representatives have taken a clear stance against the proposal, Vincent Kompany is striking a much more conciliatory tone. The FC Bayern coach made it clear ahead of the friendly against Aston Villa that he first wants to thoroughly examine the issue before taking a public stance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell shares in a new company responsible for the marketing and organization of competitions to private investors have recently drawn massive criticism. Following threats of a boycott from several continental federations, the world governing body initially withdrew the proposal.
The issue has also reached FC Bayern. Ahead of the friendly against Aston Villa, Vincent Kompany was asked about the debate for the first time.
Kompany wants to gather comprehensive information first
The Belgian made it clear that he certainly has his own views on the matter but is currently deliberately refraining from making a public statement.
“I have strong feelings about this. But at the start of this preseason, it wasn’t exactly my main focus. I read about it every now and then, but I’m not that deeply immersed in the topic. That’s why I don’t want to add yet another opinion to the mix—it’s not my biggest concern right now,” explained the Bayern coach.
Kompany emphasized that he first wants to delve more deeply into the background of the issue.
“But something is happening there—that’s all I can say. I don’t want to join the long list of people who’ve already voiced an opinion. I’d like to really dig into the issue before I say anything here. My focus right now is more on my own team.”
Bayern executives voiced strong criticism
With his reserved stance, Kompany differs from several officials at FC Bayern. President Herbert Hainer recently sharply criticized the investors’ plans and described the project as excessive commercialization of soccer. Honorary President Uli Hoeneß and sporting director Max Eberl also expressed their opposition.
At the end of July, FIFA had announced its intention to establish a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would consolidate all commercial activities and tournament organization. By selling shares to investors, the world governing body hoped to generate additional revenue in the billions.
However, following massive criticism from Europe as well as from the federations in Asia and North, Central, and South America, Gianni Infantino withdrew the plans for the time being. The issue does not appear to be completely resolved, however. The FIFA president had previously described the plans as the “logical next step” toward further expanding the economic potential of world soccer.