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Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has launched a fierce attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, voicing his disgust over proposals to bring private investors into the World Cup. The outspoken Bayern official suggested that world football's governing body has lost its direction and is now putting commercial profit ahead of the integrity of the game.

Eberl blasts FIFA's greed

The international football landscape is facing a major jolt, with Bayern sporting director Eberl becoming the latest figure to issue a strong criticism of FIFA's proposed commercial approach. The controversy is centred on Infantino's ambitious plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investment firms through a newly created entity.

FIFA proposal 'disgusts' Eberl

Speaking on Wednesday, the 52-year-old did not hide his feelings about the path the governing body is taking. "I am ashamed that we even discuss such ideas in football. Football does not belong to us," Eberl said, as quoted by Sky Sport. "I have the feeling that FIFA exists solely to make a profit. It disgusts me."

The tension between FIFA and European stakeholders has risen to such a level that reports of a possible World Cup boycott by UEFA member nations are starting to grow louder. Eberl, who holds a position of major influence at the Allianz Arena, indicated that he would fully back a united European stance against Infantino's investment model. "Then I would indeed be in favour of us as Europe taking a firm stand and saying: No, we won't participate," he added.

Sammer warns of integrity risks

While Eberl's language was explosive, other leading figures in German football have offered more measured yet equally worried views. Matthias Sammer, the legendary former player and current adviser to Borussia Dortmund, acknowledged the difficult balancing act Infantino faces in modern football governance. Even so, Sammer warned that the "emotional credibility" of the beautiful game is being put at risk in pursuit of bigger financial returns for the global body.

"Gianni Infantino first has to manage to please everyone. That's his job and FIFA's. It's always a fine line," Sammer said. Despite that nuanced position, his main concern remains the basic pillars of the sport. He added that he sees a "danger when the integrity of the game is interfered with."

Infantino's ultimatum

Despite the criticism, Infantino is moving ahead with a strict schedule, giving member associations until September to approve the deal. The attraction is the possibility of millions for each federation, but governing bodies in Europe remain doubtful about the long-term impact on the integrity of the sport.

For Eberl and the leadership at Bayern Munich, the financial upside does not outweigh the damage it could do to football's identity. Attention now turns to the upcoming UEFA meetings, where federations will decide whether to go along with the plan or spark a historic split from FIFA.