UEFA votes to boycott World Cup over FIFA investor plan
UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the governing body proceeds with a $20 billion commercial investment plan involving a subsidiary linked to Thrive Capital. FIFA maintains that the process is democratic and denies that it is 'selling football'.
Why it matters
This conflict represents a major power struggle within global football governance, pitting European interests against FIFA's commercial expansion plans.
Despite the pushback from football confederations in Europe, Asia and North America, FIFA pledged to pursue its controversial investor plans. "Nobody is selling football," the body insists.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Hzrw Image: Christian Spicker/IMAGO Advertisement World football's governing body, FIFA, doubled down on its private investment plans on Friday, despite fierce opposition from regional confederations including a threat of a boycott from European governing body UEFA.
"Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain," FIFA said in statement, slamming "incorrect media reports" and insisting that the preparations would continue.
"We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA [Member Association] has the ability to express its vote based on facts," read the statement.
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