All 55 member nations of European Football Association (UEFA) have unanimously decided to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the controversial plan proposed by the International Football Association (FIFA) is implemented.
The decision came after FIFA called an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal announced this week.
European football’s governing body UEFA had previously expressed its strong opposition to the proposal in two statements, and unanimously reaffirmed that position at a meeting held on Thursday.
“The World Cup cannot be considered an investment product,” UEFA said.
FIFA has proposed setting up a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to run its major tournaments, including the World Cup. It is also planned to allow outside investors to buy minority shares without gaining control.
The proposal requires the approval of FIFA’s 211 member countries to be implemented.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated in a letter to member associations that a federation that supports the proposal will be given US$40 million (about Rs. 1,343 crore). He has also informed that in order to receive the initial amount of US$20 million, the proposal must be agreed to before September 19.
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