Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in the commercial rights of the World Cup has been backed by the Czech Football Association, undermining hopes of a European-wide boycott. The FIFA president outlined plans to create a £15.5billion company to control FIFA competitions, offering 20 per cent to outside investors.
Details of the proposal
Infantino, 56, informed each of FIFA's 211 member nations that those signing up before September 19 would receive up to $40m (£30m) each, while those who decline would get a fraction of that amount. The plan has been supported by Thirve Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law.
The new venture would operate under the name 'FIFA Forward Enterprise'. The English FA and UEFA have both opposed the plan, with the FA stating they were "deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved."
Czech FA's position
Czech FA president David Trunda told Sky News: "I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with [FIFA president] Gianni Infantino and his team. Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA's intentions."
Trunda added: "I was elected a little more than a year ago, and for me personally all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European football." His backing represents a significant blow to any potential European boycott.
Opposition from UEFA and others
UEFA stated that the plan "crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football: it is not FIFA's to sell."
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who also works with beIN and Qatar's sports investments, voiced opposition, urging "calm and thorough consultation with more rigorous and transparent governance processes." Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, raised concerns about FIFA being "aligned with the financial interests of private entities."
