UEFA has issued another statement condemning FIFA's controversial proposal to sell shares in its competitions to private investors, accusing world football's governing body of seeking to 'enrich themselves and their friends'.
The new statement follows an initial response that said FIFA had 'crossed a line' with the plans. Reports indicate FIFA has written to its 211 member associations promising $40m (£30m) if they support the scheme.
Deadline and threats
Members are reportedly required to give a positive response by September 19 or risk losing access to an initial $20m (£15m) by January 1.
A UEFA statement read: 'Today we have learned of FIFA's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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.'
Possible boycott
At an upcoming emergency meeting, UEFA could consider boycotting the World Cup, a dramatic step. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin was absent from the men's final earlier this month amid friction with FIFA. The next World Cup scheduled is the women's tournament in Brazil next year.
FIFA operates as a not-for-profit organisation owned by its 211 member associations and benefits from tax-exempt status in Switzerland.
FIFA's stance
FIFA maintains that outside investment would preserve its exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, and the international match calendar. The investment would flow into a FIFA subsidiary, not directly to FIFA.
Infantino remarked in FIFA's announcement: 'Football is the world's most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development.'
'Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value - and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game ... our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world.'
