UEFA threatens to boycott World Cups if FIFA approves investment plan
UEFA's 55 member associations have voted to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups, if FIFA proceeds with its plan to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors.
UEFA has taken a firm stance against FIFA's proposal to create a commercial subsidiary that would allow private investors to buy stakes in its major tournaments, including the World Cup. At an emergency meeting, the 55 European member associations unanimously agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions if the plan is approved.
The decision covers the men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup. The boycott would be triggered if FIFA president Gianni Infantino's proposal is voted through by member associations. The first test of this resolve will come in October, when the Women's World Cup play-offs are scheduled.
In a statement released after the meeting, UEFA said: "We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."
FIFA aims to set up a commercial entity to run its main events, with external investors able to buy shares. Infantino wrote to all 211 FIFA member associations, offering them $40m (£30m) each if they support the controversial plan. The deadline to accept is 19 September to access an initial $20m (£15m).
UEFA has previously accused FIFA of using football "to enrich themselves and their friends".
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