Gianni Infantino has sent a letter to FIFA's 211 member associations, giving them until September 19 to accept his World Cup sell-off plan or lose the prospect of almost $7.5 billion in extra funding.
Infantino's proposal promises a $10 billion package for associations if approved, including a one-off $20 million windfall in January 2027 and $40 million for the 2027-30 cycle. If rejected, only the previously planned $2.7 billion Forward program expansion would proceed.
The FIFA president wrote: “Should you wish to proceed, this $10billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together. Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme (development money) of $2.7billion as previously presented.”
UEFA has reacted furiously, issuing a statement calling the deadline and the plan “everything you need to know” about FIFA's intentions. UEFA said: “FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”
UEFA meeting and mixed reactions
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is chairing a meeting of its 55 member nations amid growing calls for a boycott of the World Cup and Club World Cup if the scheme is approved. However, not all associations oppose the plan. David Trunda, president of the Czech FA, said: “I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with Gianni Infantino and his team... I can see the positive impact of FIFA's intentions.”
Trunda’s praise of the scheme – which would see a private company with links to the extended family of Donald Trump run FIFA competitions – is against most opinions voiced so far.
FA and FAW express concerns
The Football Association said it was “completely unaware” of the proposal and “deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance”. The FAW stated it had not received substantial details and was concerned the matter became public before being shared with associations.
A statement from the 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.”
The FAW said: “The Football Association of Wales has not yet received any substantial details from FIFA concerning the reported proposals. Consequently, the FAW is concerned that such matters have become public prior to being shared with FIFA’s Member Associations.”
Opposition and determination
Despite opposition led in England by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, sources close to Infantino say he is determined to push the scheme through. It remains to be seen if UEFA will follow up their tough words with equally tough action.
