The European Union threatens to boycott the World Cup because of Infantino's plans

According toBBC.

Background

FIFA, headed by Gianni Infantino, is seeking to create a commercial subsidiary that will manage its major events, opening the way for private investment. However, this proposal faces strong opposition from UEFA and CONCACAF, indicating a potential crisis in the governance of world football.

Why is this important?

This move by UEFA is considered a milestone in maintaining the identity of the World Cup as a global sporting event and not as an investment product. The position of the 55 UEFA associations reflects deep concern about the future of football, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. This threat of a boycott could affect FIFA's credibility and reshape the landscape of international football.

Key points

• The European Union threatens to boycott the World Cup because of Infantino's plans.
• 55 UEFA associations voted to boycott the World Cup if FIFA's plans to sell stakes in competitions continue, stressing that the World Cup is not for sale.
• Fifa World Cup: Uefa to boycott tournament if Gianni Infantino's investment plans go through - BBC Sport.

The 55 associations affiliated with the European Football Association (UEFA) voted to boycott the World Cup if plans by the International Football Association (FIFA) to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors continue. The decision came during an emergency meeting held to discuss the proposal announced earlier this week by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

CONCACAF, which governs soccer in North and Central America, also expressed its rejection of Infantino's offer. Sources confirmed that CONCACAF countries began to lose confidence in Infantino.

UEFA has openly declared its opposition to the proposal by issuing two painful statements, and forcefully reiterated its position on Thursday. He said: "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and fans on all continents, and no part of it should be ceded to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."

If Infantino's proposal is passed, a UEFA boycott would include all FIFA competitions, including the Men's World Cup, Women's World Cup and Club World Cup. This position is expected to be tested in a major tournament next October, when the Women's World Cup qualifiers are held.

During the UEFA meeting, FA president Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham spoke, with the atmosphere described as charged, given the intensity of sentiment against the proposals.

FIFA aims to create a commercial subsidiary that will manage its major events, including the World Cup, and will allow external investors to buy stakes in it.

Infantino said he would invite third parties to invest a non-controlling minority in the new company - Viva Forward Enterprise. To implement the proposal, Infantino needs 106 votes of support among FIFA's 211 members. It appears that UEFA and CONCACAF members, representing 96 associations, will vote against this proposal.

In a letter to FIFA members, Infantino said they would receive $40 million if they supported his controversial proposal. He has set a deadline of September 19 for the federations to accept his plans if they want an initial payment of $20 million.

In a statement issued after the meeting on Thursday, which was held virtually and chaired by Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA said they and 55 member associations stand as one bloc. They stressed that they "unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors."

While UEFA represents only a quarter of FIFA's membership, it is home to most of the world's most successful teams. Of the eight teams that reached the quarter-finals in last summer's World Cup, six were European teams.

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister said FIFA's proposals pose a "real existential threat to the game". She added: "I hope boycotts don't happen, but the reality is that the power of world football is Europe."

Many UEFA officials are looking to take the strongest possible action given the existential threat posed by FIFA's proposal to their footballers.

At the conclusion of the statement, the FA affirmed its position in support of the views of its European colleagues, stressing that “the World Cup returns to the game of football and will always remain so.”

What's next?

If FIFA continues with its plans, the Women's World Cup qualifiers in October are expected to see a real test of UEFA's standing. This could escalate tensions between football bodies, threatening to cause major divisions in the football world. CONCACAF's position may also further complicate matters, making it difficult to reach consensus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with the European Union and the World Cup?

55 associations affiliated with the European Football Association (UEFA) have voted to boycott the World Cup if FIFA's plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors go ahead.

Who confirmed UEFA's position against Infantino's plans?

UEFA reiterated its opposition to the proposal by issuing two anguished statements, and forcefully reiterated its position on Thursday.

Why is UEFA now threatening to boycott the World Cup?

The decision was made during an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal announced by Infantino earlier this week.

What changes is Infantino seeking to implement?

Infantino aims to create a subsidiary business that will manage major FIFA events, allowing outside investors to buy stakes in them.

What will happen if Infantino's proposal passes?

If the proposal passes, a UEFA boycott would include all FIFA competitions, including the Men's World Cup and Women's World Cup.

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