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Football for sale? FIFA's money game and the fight for the sport’s soul
31 July 2026

Football for sale? FIFA's money game and the fight for the sport’s soul

Sideline Story

About
FIFA's controversial plan to open its competitions to private investment has sparked one of the biggest debates in world football. FIFA says the move could unlock billions of dollars to support football development across the globe, but critics fear it could turn the sport's greatest traditions into financial assets. From players facing growing demands to fans questioning whether the World Cup can ever be treated like a business product, this debate goes far beyond money. In this episode of Sideline Story, we explore the battle between football's commercial future and the values that have made the beautiful game special for generations.