Fifa says selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors would allow it to distribute more than $10bn to its 211 member associations for football development. The proposal could benefit countries lacking facilities and infrastructure, but the article argues that greater funding does not itself ensure that money reaches grassroots football or is properly monitored.

European and regional bodies have criticised or questioned the lack of consultation, while African and Asian confederations have been quieter despite historically supporting Gianni Infantino. The article cites concerns over weak financial oversight, with reports that only about a fifth of federations submit audited accounts, and highlights allegations of misused development funds in Nigeria and the conviction of DR Congo’s federation president for embezzling $1.3m.