UEFA has stepped up its opposition to FIFA’s proposed World Cup investment scheme after the global football governing body reportedly gave member associations until September 19 to support the initiative or lose access to a proposed one-off financial payment.
The latest development, revealed by Sky Sports News, has heightened tensions between football’s two most influential governing bodies, with UEFA describing the reported ultimatum as evidence of growing pressure on national associations to endorse the plan.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA criticised FIFA’s approach, saying the reported deadline exposed the true nature of the proposal.
“We have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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,” UEFA said.
The European governing body said consultations with stakeholders across football showed increasing resistance to the proposal, insisting that the sport’s commercial future should not be shaped for the benefit of private financial interests.
UEFA maintained that opposition to the investment plan continued to grow and accused FIFA of pursuing a model that prioritises commercial gains over the long-term interests of football.
“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,” the statement added.
The organisation argued that football’s commercial value could be expanded without compromising the game’s governance or ownership structure. It called on FIFA to prioritise the interests of national associations, domestic leagues, clubs, players and supporters rather than external investors.
“We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans,” UEFA said.
The reported September 19 deadline marks a new flashpoint in the dispute over FIFA’s investment proposal, with UEFA signalling it will continue challenging the plan as opposition gathers momentum across the football community. According to the Sky Sports report, the disagreement has further deepened the widening divide between FIFA and UEFA over the future commercial direction of the global game.
(The Sun)