Europe’s powerful football governing body says it will boycott all FIFA tournaments if it presses ahead with its plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
News
UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously voted not to take part in future World Cups or other FIFA-run events if the proposal goes ahead.
“No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive,” UEFA said following an emergency meeting on Thursday.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product … No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”
Details
In a further blow to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan, CONCACAF has also rejected the proposal saying it was concerned about the lack of due process.
The 41-member North America, Central America and Caribbean bloc did not, however, say it would boycott the tournament.
On Tuesday, FIFA – a non-profit association – announced plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.
Analysis
Under the proposal, private investors would be allowed to acquire stakes in the company but would remain minority shareholders.
It hopes to raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.
If approved, the project could provide each of FIFA’s 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027.
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