FIFA’s World Cup plans face massive backlash from all 55 UEFA nations. UEFA could boycott FIFA football tournaments if the plans move forward. The reported proposal has drawn strong opposition from UEFA.
All 55 UEFA nations voted to oppose Infantino’s proposal involving the World Cup
Earlier, reports emerged that FIFA president Gianni Infantino is considering selling stakes linked to the World Cup. Soon after the reports, the confederation pushed back with an official statement.
According to SkySports, if Gianni Infantino continues with his plans, the confederation could boycott all FIFA tournaments. The decision regarding the boycott was taken in an emergency meeting between all 55 UEFA nations.
On Monday, all UEFA nations voted against Infantino’s proposal. The confederation released the statement on Thursday. The statement read, “We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.”
The meeting was attended by all participating nations’ spokespersons, including FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and FA chair and FIFA vice president Debbie Hewitt. Following the decision, an FA spokesperson said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view. We oppose FIFA’s plans. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football and always will.”
A spokesperson from Scotland said, “We agree unequivocally with concerns raised by all members over the manner in which these proposals have been issued, and the deadline set, without a full consultation process or consideration of good governance.”
UEFA warned that its member associations could boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal moves forward, escalating tensions between the two organizations.
FIFA has proposed creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee the sale of commercial rights. They are estimated to raise $4.2bn (£3.1bn) from private investors. UEFA has strongly opposed the decision; however, FIFA has not made any public comment addressing UEFA’s decision.
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