CORNERFLICK
UEFA’s 55 member federations have unanimously opposed FIFA’s proposal to hand part of its commercial operations to private investors, with a boycott of FIFA competitions now on the table if the plan goes ahead.
What FIFA has proposed
The plan centres on a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would handle commercial rights, broadcast income, sponsorship and ticket sales for FIFA’s major competitions. The proposal would allow up to 20% of the company to be sold to private investors, with a reported valuation of about $20bn.
UEFA and AFC push back
European officials say the idea was advanced without enough consultation with confederations and member associations, and they argue it could affect football’s governance structure. UEFA has warned that the World Cup, Women’s World Cup and other FIFA tournaments could be targeted if the proposal is not changed.
The issue is not confined to Europe. The Asian Football Confederation has also criticised the process and called for greater transparency and a delay to decision-making.
Infantino has said the plan is only a proposal, that nobody would be forced to accept it, and that FIFA would retain full control over sporting and administrative decisions even if private money comes in.