CORNERFLICK
Spain and Portugal have reportedly threatened to pull out of hosting, and even taking part in, the 2030 World Cup unless FIFA president Gianni Infantino abandons a plan to hand part of the tournament's commercial rights to private investors.
FIFA's plan meets wide resistance
The row centres on FIFA's proposal to create a new commercial company and sell part of it to private backers. According to reports in Spain, including El Español, UEFA and all 55 of its member federations oppose the move.
UEFA argues that the World Cup is part of football's global heritage and should not become a private investment asset. FIFA has said it would still keep control of the competition, and that the plan is intended to raise money and support football development across member nations.
2030 hosting picture under threat
Spain and Portugal are two of the main hosts for the 2030 finals, so any withdrawal would put the tournament's structure under serious strain. Morocco, the other main host, has not yet issued a formal position, adding to the uncertainty.
Talks between FIFA and UEFA are continuing, but the gap remains wide. If Infantino refuses to change course, a European boycott and major disruption to the 2030 World Cup plan look increasingly possible.