European football associations are considering a mass withdrawal from the World Cup in response to FIFA's proposal to bring in private investors for the tournament's commercial rights. The Football Association is set to join an emergency summit of UEFA's 55 member associations to discuss the move.
Potential for historic boycott
One option under consideration is for all European nations to pull out of the World Cup, which would be the largest boycott since the tournament's launch in 1930. Although European countries make up only a quarter of FIFA's 211 members, they are the dominant force in world football. Six of the eight quarter-finalists at the most recent World Cup came from Europe, including third-placed England and champions Spain. A tournament without European teams would dramatically reduce its commercial value.
The outrage follows FIFA's announcement that it intends to invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments in a new commercial subsidiary. The proposed company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), valued at £15 billion, would handle the sale of broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing rights, as well as the operational delivery of FIFA tournaments including the World Cup. FIFA aims to raise up to £3.1 billion by selling a stake in the venture. The investor group would be led by Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared.
UEFA and leaders react strongly
A UEFA spokesman said: “This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every national football association. So should every stakeholder - leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. 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.”
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated: “Let me say this very directly. Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine. The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport and it was never anyone's to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has and it always will.”
The Football Association said: “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.”
Infantino's offer and warning
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is offering each member nation £30.1 million to accept the plan by September 19. The proposal needs approval from more than 50% of FIFA's member associations. Infantino claims the move could deliver over £7.53 billion in football development funding over the next four years. He warned that countries not backing the plan would have access to significantly less cash for development projects, grassroots football and national teams if the majority endorse it. FIFA has not commented on how much Infantino personally stands to benefit from the venture.
