UEFA to hold emergency meeting over FIFA World Cup plans

UEFA is convening an emergency meeting to address FIFA's contentious proposal to sell a 20% stake in its competitions to private investors. The plan, spearheaded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and involving the Thrive Eternal investment vehicle, has drawn sharp criticism from European football's governing body.

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We have learned of Fifa's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.

FIFA reportedly sent a letter to its 211 member associations, setting a September 19 deadline to accept the deal, which includes an initial $20 million payout. UEFA has publicly condemned the move, stating that the deadline "says everything you need to know about this plan" and that FIFA had "crossed a line."

Many member associations, including the Football Association in England, were reportedly blindsided by the proposal. UEFA's concerns have been echoed by other confederations, including those in Asia, South America, and North and Central America. The potential withdrawal of UEFA's 55 member nations, which include three World Cup semi-finalists, could significantly impact the financial viability of the tournament.

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It's part of a democratic process - a consultation process - and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation. It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.

Despite the backlash, FIFA released a document defending the plan, arguing that "too little of football's growing commercial value has reached the parts of the game that need it most." Infantino, in a video statement, called the proposals "an offer, not an obligation" and "a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally," citing potential benefits such as better pitches, stronger national teams, and increased support for women's football.

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We can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football.