Prime Minister Andy Burnham has joined those hitting out at plans from Fifa President Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
The hugely controversial plans, first revealed in an exclusive story from The Times on Tuesday afternoon, have been roundly condemned.
They would see a company being formed to control Fifa's top competitions, the World Cup and Club World Cup, with Times sources indicating figures close to the Trump administration have been consulted about the plans.
There are fears selling off control of the tournaments could result in them being expanded further, played more frequently, and hosted in wealthy Gulf states - which would clash with the domestic football calendar due to temperatures necessitating they be played in winter - all in pursuit of driving profits.
Reacting to the news last night on social media, Andy Burnham said: “Let me say this very directly. Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.
"The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell.
"Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”
UEFA was also quick to condemn the proposals, a statement reading: "This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. Uefa takes it extremely seriously. So should every national football association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.”
Read the full details of the proposals in The Times.