FIFA stake-sale push tests football's 'American century,' Bennett says

July 30 : FIFA's proposed sale of a private stake in its tournament business, including the World Cup, reflects the expanding reach of U.S.-style sports finance, including private equity, into global football, Roger Bennett, the CEO and founder of the Men in Blazers Media Network, said.The plan has triggered a major confrontation with European football less than two weeks after a World Cup held primarily in the U.S.. UEFA's 55 member associations voted unanimously on Thursday to boycott FIFA tournaments if the proposal proceeds, saying the World Cup "cannot be treated as an investment product." Bennett said the dispute offered a stark early test of football's emerging "American century," as U.S. capital plays an increasingly influential role across the sport."Going into this World Cup, it