Fifa World Cup: Uefa to boycott tournament if Gianni Infantino's investment plans go through
European football associations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the governing body proceeds with plans to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors. UEFA and Concacaf have both formally rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the commercialization of the sport's legacy.
Why it matters
This represents a significant power struggle between regional football confederations and FIFA leadership, potentially threatening the future of major global tournaments.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Winners Spain were one of six European teams to reach the quarter-finals of this summer's World Cup
European football's 55 member associations have voted to boycott World Cups if the sport's governing body proceeds with a plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
The decision was made at an emergency meeting called to discuss the proposal announced earlier this week by Fifa, which oversees world football.
Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America and hosted this year's World Cup, said its 41 member associations have "rejected" the proposal made by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, after it met on Thursday.
Sources say the Concacaf nations are also losing faith in Infantino.
Uefa, which governs European football, had already made its opposition clear by releasing two damning statements - and that strength of feeling has been reaffirmed.
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