UEFA says opposition to Infantino’s
Photo: Ashley Landis/AP/TT

UEFA says opposition to Infantino’s FIFA plan is growing as cash ultimatum sparks backlash

If the national football associations vote yes to FIFA's plan to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors, they will receive the equivalent of SEK 388 million each. If one association votes no - but the proposal still goes through - they will have to settle for half. "The opposition to FIFA's approach is both large and growing," UEFA responded in a statement.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to make it possible for private investors to invest in FIFA's major competitions. In total, around 20 percent of a new FIFA company will be sold to private investors, while national associations will receive smaller shares.

FIFA has outlined its plans in a letter to the 211 national associations. In the letter, which has been seen by several media outlets and published on X, the FIFA president gives an ultimatum.

388 million for a yes

If the federations support Infantino's idea, they will be rewarded with an expanded financial package totaling $10 billion - equivalent to 97 billion SEK.

If the proposal passes, all member associations will receive a financial contribution equivalent to 194 million kronor. The associations that also vote in favor of the proposal will receive an additional contribution of another 194 million kronor, a total of approximately 388 million kronor, writes TV4 Fotbollskanalen.

"The decision on whether or not to implement this proposal is entirely yours," Infantino wrote in the letter.

53 days left

If the proposal is instead voted down, the total pot for all unions will remain at the previously promised $2.7 billion.

"If you wish to maintain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the Forward program of $2.7 billion as previously announced," Infantino writes.

The European Football Association (Uefa) says it has taken note of FIFA's ultimatum.

"Today we have been informed of the deadline that FIFA has given the associations: support their proposal or see the offer of the one-off payment withdrawn. That says everything you need to know about this plan," writes Uefa.

"FIFA cannot continue"

Uefa held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, where it discussed FIFA's plans.

"After holding discussions with several players in football, UEFA knows that the opposition to FIFA's approach is both large and growing. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends," UEFA writes.

The unions have until September 19 to provide a response.

In this story
AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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