UEFA nations will convene on Thursday afternoon for an emergency meeting regarding FIFA’s controversial plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. Gianni Infantino confirmed the proposal earlier this week, triggering an angry response from the football world.
UEFA slams FIFA plan
European football’s governing body slammed FIFA for what they described as a move that “crossed the line”. Its response was to call an emergency meeting with all 55 UEFA nations, whereby they’ll discuss potential next steps.
One mooted move was a boycott of FIFA, which, should it last the course, would mean European nations didn’t take part in the next men’s World Cup. According to BBC Sport, UEFA nations know that pulling out of the tournament will have significant financial consequences for the concept.
UEFA statement
Ahead of the meeting, UEFA said in a statement: “Today we have learned of Fifa’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.”
“But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, Uefa knows there is significant and growing opposition to Fifa’s scheme. Fifa cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”
Accusations of bribery
Not only are FIFA planning to welcome private investment into the World Cup, but they have been accused of “bribery” when it comes to the way they’ve gone about it. Football’s governing body told federations in a letter they will earn more money by signing up to the deal before September 19 than they would by agreeing to it after the deadline.
Anger has also stemmed from the specifics of the investment, which is led by the Thrive Eternal investment vehicle owned by Joshua Kushner, the brother-in-law of US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka. Infantino was heavily criticised for his links to Trump before and during this summer’s World Cup, with the US president accused of interfering with the Folarin Balogun red card affair.
FA response
Any potential boycott would likely rest on the shoulders of the major European nations, with England and the FA considered major players. Reacting to the news, the FA said in a statement: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached. Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved. When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by Fifa, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”
