FA ‘deeply concerned’ by FIFA plans to sell stakes in its competitions

The Football Association has said it is “deeply concerned” by FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in its major competitions.

FIFA announced on Tuesday proposals to set up a private company to run its competitions which would have links to the extended family of United States President Donald Trump.

The announcement produced a furious backlash from European football’s governing body UEFA, which insisted the World Cup is not an “asset to trade” and may lead to the Confederation boycotting the tournament.

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

The Press Association understands FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told its 211 member associations they will all receive 40million US dollars by agreeing to his World Cup sell-off plan, but they must sign up to it by September 19.

As first reported by The Times, Infantino says that a funding package totalling $10billion will become available if associations sign up.

He has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan their earnings will be $2.7billion — almost 75 per cent less.

A statement from the FAW read: “The Football Association of Wales has not yet received any substantial details from FIFA concerning the reported proposals.

“Consequently, the FAW is concerned that such matters have become public prior to being shared with FIFA’s Member Associations. We await receipt of FIFA’s full proposal before commenting further on this matter.”

However, support for FIFA’s plan came from a UEFA member, with Czech Republic FA president David Trunda saying he could see its “positive impact”.

“I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with Gianni Infantino and his team,” Trunda told Sky News.

“I was elected a little more than a year ago and for me personally all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European football.

“Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions.”

The plan has been criticised by new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who said the World Cup is “not a product” and belongs to fans and not investors.

UEFA said on Tuesday that it takes the plan “extremely seriously” and that it “crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross”.

The body questioned FIFA’s transparency and CONCACAF, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, has also criticised world football’s governing body.

“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” it said in a statement.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.”

As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.

“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.

“This is the framework within which CONCACAF operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”

European Football Clubs (EFC), which represents over 850 clubs, has expressed concern over FIFA’s plan and called for consultation and transparent governance to take football forward.

“EFC learned about this proposal in the same way as most global football stakeholders – without warning and through the media,” the organisation said in a statement.

“EFC always seeks to work collaboratively and supportively with all stakeholders – FIFA, UEFA and all confederations, national associations, leagues, player and fan associations.

“In that vein, we urge for calm and thorough consultation on all topics affecting the football ecosystem, together with more rigorous and transparent governance processes put in place to protect the game for the long term.”