Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says FIFA should keep the World Cup out of private hands, arguing football should remain “for the people.” Speaking in Sydney during the club’s pre-season tour, Alonso responded to FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup’s business operations. He said football must not be held by private interests and called for the tournament to be managed in the public interest. His remarks focus on ownership and control of commercial decision-making around the World Cup rather than on sporting aspects of the competition. The comments come as FIFA considers changes to how it finances and runs the tournament, including potential private-sector involvement through equity in its operating business. Alonso’s position is that such moves should be avoided to ensure the sport remains accessible and aligned with fans and wider public interests.