UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over stake sale plan

UEFA and its national associations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, escalating a dispute over President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in a subsidiary company that will manage the world governing body's tournaments, including the World Cup.

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Uefa and its national associations will not participate in Fifa competitions

The bombshell statement, released on July 30, declared: "UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions." This move signals a deep rift, with European football's governing body citing a lack of proper consultation and dialogue from Infantino. The subsidiary company is intended to be run by FIFA but part-funded by private investors, reportedly including Joshua Kushner, the brother-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Concerns are high regarding the potential impact on upcoming tournaments. Senior European football sources expressed uncertainty about the implications for the U20 Women's World Cup, scheduled to begin on September 5 in Poland. UEFA's boycott threat would be activated if Infantino's funding deal is accepted by the September 19 deadline. This could force countries to withdraw mid-tournament.

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Not sure the detail was considered when deciding the overall policy

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Nobody can even countenance the thought of not being involved in those [Women's World Cup play-offs]." She stressed that FIFA created the problem and pushed UEFA into this corner, adding, "Nobody wants the players to suffer, and nobody wants nations to suffer when it comes to the most prestigious competitions."

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Wales is involved in the play-offs for the Women's World Cup in the autumn, and it would be our first qualification for a World Cup. Nobody can even countenance the thought of not being involved in those.

FIFA has yet to respond to UEFA's statement. However, CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North, Central, and South America, announced that its 41 member nations also rejected FIFA's proposals. The Football Association chair, Debbie Hewitt, who is also a FIFA vice-president, spoke out against the plan, with the FA stating it stands "shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues." Similarly, Scottish FA president Mike Mulraney, chair of FIFA's finance committee, confirmed the organization "agrees unequivocally" with UEFA's stance.

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But let's be clear here. This is not a problem of Uefa's making. It's a problem that Fifa have created. Nobody wants the players to suffer, and nobody wants nations to suffer when it comes to the most prestigious competitions. We've been pushed into this corner and that's Fifa's responsibility.