Fifa Backtracks on World Cup Stake Sale After Threat of Boycott from European Leagues
Fifa has scrapped its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors, following widespread backlash and threats of a boycott from European football's governing body Uefa.
European football's governing body Uefa even confirmed a boycott of the World Cup and other Fifa competitions, saying its member nations would not take part if Infantino's plan was voted through. The Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, which represents 41 nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean, backed Uefa in their stance.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino proposed the plan in July, but it sparked anger and concern from many voices in the footballing world. In a statement, Infantino insisted "nobody is selling football", but the plan ultimately did not proceed.
Infantino's statement read: "The Fifa Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our Fifa Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the Fifa Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the Fifa Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders."
The project had created divisions in the football world, and Infantino acknowledged that it was no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place. His statement continued: "Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place."
Infantino's decision to scrap the plan has been met with immediate calls for him to step down. Some association heads have expressed their dissatisfaction with Infantino's leadership, and it remains to be seen how this will impact the future of Fifa.
Infantino has stated that he intends to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in the game. He aims to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need support.
Source: Yahoo Sports