European football associations threaten World Cup boycott over FIFA privatisation plan
European football is threatening a major confrontation with FIFA over plans to sell stakes in the commercial rights to the World Cup. UEFA’s 55 member
European football is threatening a major confrontation with FIFA over plans to sell stakes in the commercial rights to the World Cup. UEFA’s 55 member associations say they could boycott FIFA events if Gianni Infantino’s plan goes ahead.
FIFA has given national associations until mid-September to back the proposal, with $40m payments at stake for each member. The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise is valued at around $20bn and would manage commercial rights and major tournaments.
FIFA says private investment could help generate $10bn for football development over four years. But critics say the plan risks putting commercial interests ahead of fans and the sport itself. Al Jazeera’s Andy Richardson.
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