UEFA has warned that its member associations will boycott FIFA competitions if world football’s governing body proceeds with plans to sell a stake in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors.
The decision followed an emergency meeting involving UEFA’s 55 national associations, after FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly asked member associations to support the proposal before a September 19 deadline, offering a £30.1 million ($40 million) incentive.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said its members had unanimously rejected the proposal, arguing that football’s premier competitions should not be opened to private ownership.
“UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions.
“UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one.
“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. 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.”
UEFA warned that allowing investors to acquire ownership stakes would shift the focus of football from sporting integrity to financial returns, insisting it would not take part in FIFA competitions unless the proposal is withdrawn and assurances are given that similar plans will not be revived.
