Going too far: Football world against FIFA and Infantino

FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino proposed selling shares in World Cup tournaments to private investors, a move met with fierce opposition from UEFA and CONCACAF. UEFA voted to boycott World Cups if the plan goes ahead, and CONCACAF rejected the proposal. Infantino offered $40 million to federations that support him, with an ultimatum until September 19. The Asian Football Confederation expressed concern but did not explicitly reject the proposal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed selling shares in World Cup tournaments to private investors, a move that met with fierce opposition from UEFA and CONCACAF. UEFA voted to boycott World Cups if the plan goes ahead, and CONCACAF said its 41 member associations rejected the proposal. FIFA responded that the details of the move were distorted by incorrect reports, stressing that "no one is selling football." For the proposal to pass, Infantino needs the support of 106 of the 211 associations, but the opposition of UEFA and CONCACAF, which together hold 96 votes, makes this difficult. FIFA plans to set up a commercial subsidiary to manage major events, and investors could buy shares in it. Infantino offered $40 million to federations that support him, with an ultimatum until September 19 to receive the first $20 million. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed deep concern and claimed it was not consulted, but did not explicitly reject the proposal. CONMEBOL has not yet responded, while CAF and OFC will announce their positions next month.