SFA chief Ian Maxwell is set to take part in an emergency meeting convened by all 55 UEFA nations to discuss how European football can block FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup.
Record Sport can reveal the crisis talks will be held within the next 24 hours as European football reacts with horror to Infantino's proposal to cash in on a 20 per cent stake in the competition for $15 billion. The meeting will consider a range of options to halt the plan, including a potential boycott of FIFA's flagship event.
Scotland's position and Mike Mulraney's role
Maxwell will be one of the voices at the table, and Record Sport understands the SFA will join forces with some of Europe's largest governing bodies, including the English FA, to express serious concerns over the proposed sale. UEFA has reacted furiously, with PM Andy Burnham accusing Infantino of 'selling out'. The Czech Republic has broken ranks to offer Infantino support.
Scotland's stance is politically complicated by the fact that SFA president Mike Mulraney currently chairs FIFA's financial committee. However, Mulraney will also attend Thursday's urgent talks, and his FIFA position will not prevent the SFA from taking a strong stance alongside other national associations.
Infantino's plan and European opposition
FIFA's president has been in discussions with banking giant JP Morgan about selling a minority stake in the World Cup to private investors. The talks reportedly involve tech mogul Joshua Kushner through his Thrive Eternal fund. Kushner's brother Jared is married to Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka. Infantino has promised every member association that backs his plan a cash bonus of $40 billion, setting a 53-day deadline for a decision by September 19. Those who refuse stand to lose $30 billion. Infantino needs only a simple majority (106 out of 211 votes) to push the deal through.
Infantino is also seeking re-election as president ahead of the 2027-2031 cycle and has said FIFA will explore increasing the World Cup to 64 teams.
