FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing opposition over a proposal to sell a stake in FIFA Forward Enterprises in a deal reportedly valued at $20 billion.
The plan, unveiled earlier this week, would give investors influence over future World Cup broadcasting and commercial rights. It is being backed by Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner.
Under the proposal, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations could receive more than $80 million between now and 2037. The associations have until September 19 to vote on the deal.
However, UEFA has strongly rejected the proposal and threatened to boycott FIFA competitions while it remains under consideration.
UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.
UEFA argued that the commercial rights attached to the World Cup should not be transferred to private investors.
Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will,” the statement added.
The European body also criticised FIFA’s handling of the discussions, saying member associations and other key stakeholders had not been adequately consulted.
UEFA described the process as “a profound failure of leadership” and called for the proposal to be withdrawn.
Opposition has also spread to Asia, with Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa warning that the plan could undermine continental football.
Sheikh Salman reportedly told AFC member associations that such a major change could not succeed without the support of all six continental confederations.
The mounting resistance places FIFA under increasing pressure ahead of the September vote, with questions growing over the long-term control of World Cup broadcasting and commercial assets.
