UEFA to hold emergency meeting over FIFA plan
UEFA has strongly criticized FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in major competitions, accusing the governing body of prioritizing profit over the sport. FIFA claims the plan is a consultation process to provide financial opportunities to member associations, but UEFA is calling an emergency meeting to oppose the move.
Why it matters
This conflict represents a significant power struggle in global football governance, potentially impacting the future structure and funding of the World Cup.
UEFA has accused FIFA of using football "to enrich themselves and their friends" over proposals to sell off stakes in its major competitions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says its 211 member associations will receive €35.12million under plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, but has set a 19 September deadline if they want to access an initial €17.5m.
Infantino has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan their earnings will be €2.37billion — almost 75% less — but various members have voiced concerns.
On Wednesday evening, he subsequently called the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup a proposal but "not an obligation".
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