UEFA accuses FIFA of ‘enriching themselves’ over competition sell-off proposal

UEFA has accused FIFA of using football “to enrich themselves and their friends” over proposals to sell off stakes in its major competitions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says its 211 member associations will receive 40m US dollars (£30m) under plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, but has set a September 19 deadline if they want to access an initial $20m (£15m).

In an interview released by FIFA on Wednesday evening, Infantino defended the proposals insisting they provide “a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally”.

He added: “The fans remain the cornerstone of the beautiful game, and the sport they watch and love will not change.

“FIFA obviously continues to govern football without any external interference. We want to help creating the next ‘Cabo Verdes’.

“Fans from everywhere in the world, would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries.

“But again, it is simply a choice for our members.”

Infantino has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan their earnings will be $2.7billion — almost 75 per cent less — but the Football Association and others have voiced concerns.

European football’s governing body UEFA said in a statement: “Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off pay out offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.

“But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.

“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly.

“It’s time to prioritize associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”

The Press Association understands that UEFA’s 55 associations will meet on Thursday to discuss FIFA’s proposed sale of equity to outside investors.

After condemnation from new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the Football Association said in a statement: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposal actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“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.”

Football governing bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland also said they had been kept in the dark over FIFA’s plan,

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.”

An Irish FA spokesperson said: “Like others, we have yet to receive any meaningful detail on these proposals.

“From what we have seen so far, we have questions about both the way it has emerged and the issues it raises.

“Once FIFA provides the full proposal, as it has indicated it will, we will review it carefully before commenting further.”

UEFA’s unity may be tested, however, with Czech Republic FA president David Trunda saying he could see the “positive impact” of Infantino’s plan.

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

“I was elected a little more than a year ago and for me personally all the projects I have experienced in co-operation 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.”