One of the controversial moves was a boycott of FIFA, which, if prolonged, would mean European countries would not participate in the next men’s World Cup. According to BBC Sport, UEFA countries are aware that withdrawing from the tournament would have a significant financial impact on the initiative.
Ahead of the meeting, UEFA said in a statement: “Today, we learned that FIFA is now the deadline for asking associations to support the proposal or withdraw the one-off payment proposal.
“This tells you everything you need to know about this plan,” European football’s governing body said in a statement. However, UEFA, which has been in discussions with a number of stakeholders throughout the match, is aware that opposition to FIFA’s plans has grown significantly.
“FIFA cannot continue to exploit our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game right. It’s time to prioritize the association, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”
Not only does FIFA plan to welcome private investment into the World Cup, it has also been accused of “bribery” over the way it does so. Football’s governing body said in a letter to the federation that it would receive more revenue if it signed an agreement by September 19 than if it was agreed after the deadline.
The anger also stems from details of an investment led by Thrive Eternal Investment Company, owned by Joshua Kushner, the brother-in-law of US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka. Infantino was heavily criticized for his ties to President Trump before and during this summer’s World Cup, with the US president accused of intervening in the Folarin Balogun red card issue.
The possibility of a boycott is likely to fall on the shoulders of Europe’s major powers, with England and the Football Association seen as key players. Following the news, the FA said in a statement: “We have no knowledge of the proposal and we have no substantive details about what it actually is or what conditions are attached to it.
“Based on limited information, we are deeply concerned by the lack of process and governance that has led to this point, and the clear substance and principles contained within it. We will clarify our views and comment further once the proposal has been shared in the full and transparent manner that FIFA is currently committed to.”
