FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization’s proposal to sell a stake in its competitions through a private subsidiary, arguing that the plan is a proposal rather than an obligation for member associations. The proposal would reportedly create a commercial spin-off involving World Cup operations and other FIFA competitions.
The announcement has triggered significant opposition from multiple continental football federations. UEFA, CONCACAF (the North American confederation), and the Asian Football Confederation have all voiced criticism of the plan. European football officials and other stakeholders have intensified their opposition, with some sources indicating that a World Cup boycott is being considered as a potential response.
UEFA has scheduled an emergency meeting to address FIFA’s proposal and discuss the mounting concerns among member associations. Infantino’s insistence that participation is voluntary has not quelled the backlash, as various football governing bodies continue to express reservations about the commercial direction of FIFA’s competitions.