England could boycott the next World Cup after a row emerged between football federations and FIFA, following news that Gianni Infantino is planning to open the organisation up to private investment. There are suggestions the planned investment has ties to Donald Trump, with Infantino having cosied up to the United States president ahead of and during this summer’s World Cup.
UEFA and FA react strongly
UEFA – as well as other confederations – have reacted strongly to the news, with suggestions a boycott could be on the cards, should FIFA push through with their investment plans. The English FA have also blasted the decision, labelling it “deeply concerning”, while Three Lions fans are believed to be planning a protest ahead of September’s Nations League clash with Spain.
How serious the threat of a boycott actually is remains to be seen, but ahead of an emergency meeting involving all 55 UEFA confederations, it’s certainly being considered.
What would a boycott mean?
It is unclear at this moment whether the proposed boycott would relate to just the men’s tournament, or the Women’s World Cup as well. The Women’s World Cup is set to take place in Brazil next year, with qualifying having already got underway. Meanwhile, the next men’s World Cup is pencilled in for Spain, Morocco and Portugal, as well as three one-off matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to celebrate the centenary of the tournament. Should a boycott take place, that would presumably alter the hosting arrangements, given both Spain and Portugal are part of UEFA.
Official statements
On the unfolding situation, UEFA said in a statement: “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.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the English FA read: “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.”
