CONCACAF, the football confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean, has rejected Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell portions of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. However, it stopped short of promising a boycott.
UEFA's boycott threat and FIFA's deadline
UEFA had earlier vowed to boycott all FIFA competitions until the plan is abandoned. The proposal involves forming a company called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) to raise $20 billion from private investors in exchange for influence over broadcasting and commercial deals linked to FIFA tournaments. FIFA set a deadline of September 19 for member associations to support or reject the proposal, offering $40 million to those who back it and less to those who do not.
CONCACAF's statement
In a statement, CONCACAF said: "Concacaf is a confederation united by the love of our game, where football comes first. ... History has shown FIFA and the football family what happens when the custodians of the game lose sight of these values." The confederation expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process, the artificially short deadline, and the absence of review by FIFA governance bodies. It also questioned the need for private equity investment after the most profitable World Cup in history. CONCACAF rejected the proposal and tasked its FIFA Council members to engage FIFA on using existing reserves and to ensure proper governance.
UEFA's firm stance
UEFA issued a statement declaring: "UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions. ... The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. ... No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale." UEFA described the proposal as irresponsible and indefensible, calling it an abdication of FIFA's duty. It said national associations face an ultimatum that amounts to "governance by intimidation." UEFA confirmed that no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for as long as the proposals remain alive, unless the plan is abandoned entirely and binding assurances are given.
