UEFA says its national associations will join the European football administrative body “with absolute determination” in opposing FIFA’s plans to sell stakes.
In an unequivocal statement following an emergency meeting about the proposals on Thursday, UEFA said it stood “as one” with its 55 members in believing that the plans had “no place in world football”.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” warned UEFA. “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies.
“It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent.
“No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”
Gianni Infantino: What are FIFA’s plans for World Cup?
Under the planned scheme, a company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would be put together to oversee FIFA’s top competitions in the men’s and women’s games, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.
The plan could see FIFA president Gianni Infantino earn tens of millions and raise the possibility of the World Cup and Club World Cup being held more often than every four years.
FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive a stake that they could either keep or sell to generate income.
In addition, it is claimed that Infantino – set to be re-elected unopposed until 2031 – would be positioned to become commissioner of the company after his final term as president comes to a close. It is expected he could command a salary of $64m as commissioner.
“It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game,” said UEFA.
“This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.
“Nobody should be in any doubt: UEFA and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination.
“There are moments when institutions are judged not by what they are prepared to accept, but by what they refuse to compromise. This is one of those moments.
“Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”
UEFA emphasised that European teams will not participate in FIFA competitions “for so long as these proposals remain alive”.
A majority stake in the company would be owned by FIFA, with private investors taking on around 20 to 30 per cent and the member nations each possessing a small stake. Joshua Kushner — brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared — is the proposed lead investor.
You can read UEFA’s statement in full.
UEFA responds after Infantino sets deadline
Infantino has written to all 211 member associations, giving them extra incentive to back the plan.
He has told the members they will receive $40m (£30m) if they are supportive, adding that £20m will be immediately available to them on January 1 next year.
However, Infantino gave those members a deadline of September 19 by which to accept the one-time offer.
After the plans were revealed on Tuesday, UEFA said the proposals cross “a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross”.
