Sheffield Home of Football has called for discussion about the possibility of an alternative World Cup in response to FIFA’s proposed sale of minority stakes in a new commercial company overseeing major tournaments. The intervention reflects wider concern that private investment could alter the governance and long-term direction of football’s biggest competition.

FIFA plans to create a company valued at about $20 billion, with investors able to buy non-controlling stakes and up to $4.2 billion expected to be raised. FIFA says it would retain authority over sporting and regulatory decisions and use the funding to support member associations, while UEFA has criticised the proposal as a move beyond acceptable limits for football governance.