UEFA have released a second statement criticising FIFA's controversial plans to sell shares in its competitions to private investors. The European football body said the scheme is designed to 'enrich themselves and their friends'.
Emergency meeting planned
UEFA are expected to host an emergency meeting of European football chiefs to discuss the proposals put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The plan would allow private investors to purchase shares in competitions including the World Cup and Women's World Cup.
The first UEFA statement said FIFA had 'crossed a line'. Reports now claim FIFA has written to its 211 member associations, promising them $40m (£30m) if they support the scheme. Associations are said to have been told to back the proposals by September 19 to receive an initial payment of $20m (£15m) by January 1.
Growing opposition
In the latest statement, UEFA said: 'Today we have learned of FIFA's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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 the forthcoming 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 growing tensions with FIFA. The next World Cup is the women's tournament in Brazil next year.
FIFA operates as a not-for-profit organisation owned by its 211 member associations, benefiting from tax-exempt status in Switzerland. FIFA says that with external investment, it would retain full control over governance, competitions, and the match calendar.
Infantino's comments
Infantino said 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.'
