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Towards a European boycott of the World Cup? UEFA and Gianni

By OnzeActu · · 6 min read

Towards a European boycott of the World Cup? UEFA and Gianni

Faced with FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to open up the organization's commercial assets to private investors, several European nations are seriously considering a boycott of the World Cup. UEFA, which strongly disapproves of this approach, is organizing an emergency meeting to define a collective response.

According to Sports.

Context

FIFA, under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, seeks to raise significant funds for the development of football, but this initiative is seen as a threat by UEFA. Tensions between FIFA and European federations could redefine relations within world football, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

Why it matters

Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell part of FIFA's commercial assets raises major concerns about the future of European football. A boycott of the World Cup by European nations could not only disrupt the event, but also call into question the legitimacy of FIFA and its role in world football. It could also influence discussions around the 2026 World Cup and the way football is governed internationally.

Key points

  • Towards a European boycott of the World Cup? UEFA and Gianni.
  • Faced with FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to open up the organization's commercial assets to private investors, several European nations are seriously considering a boycott of the World Cup.
  • Is a World Cup boycott brewing? Europe against Infantino's plans - Yahoo Sports.

A turmoil is shaking European football as FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino consider selling a substantial part of the organization's commercial assets to private investors. The information, initially relayed by Sky News, crystallized serious tensions within UEFA and the national federations of the Old Continent.

FIFA's project is ambitious: it would involve creating a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, valued at $20 billion, more than 20% of which could be sold to external investors for fundraising estimated at $4.2 billion. Among the takeover candidates, the Thrive Eternal fund, led by Josh Kushner, whose family proximity to Donald Trump does not go unnoticed, raises additional questions.

This prospect provoked an immediate outcry from UEFA. In an official statement of rare firmness, the European confederation denounced an attack on the foundations of football: “This crosses a limit that institutions should never cross. The essence and governance of football are not market assets. Football does not belong to FIFA to be sold. »

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Despite Gianni Infantino's attempts to reassure the world of football – he notably promises to increase the funds allocated to the development of federations, from 8 to 20 million dollars – mistrust persists. Several European countries are therefore considering threatening a boycott of the World Cup, using this leverage to influence the negotiations and put pressure on FIFA.

An emergency UEFA meeting is planned this week to coordinate the response and assert a common position. This crisis recalls the battle fought recently against the plan for a World Cup every two years, which UEFA managed to abort thanks to the solidarity of the main European federations.

The challenge promises to be crucial: pitting the sporting and economic strength of Europe against the unilateral desire of FIFA to modify the governance of world football. For the moment, no precise timetable has been announced, but the possibility of a boycott of the next World Cup by Europe would be an unprecedented earthquake for the competition and all of international football.

The rest

UEFA is planning an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps in the face of this crisis. National federations could decide to take a united stance against the sale of assets, which could lead to a boycott of the World Cup. The reaction of Gianni Infantino and FIFA will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or whether tensions will continue to escalate.

Frequently asked questions

What is happening with FIFA and UEFA?

FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, is considering selling a substantial part of its commercial assets to private investors, which has caused tensions within UEFA.

Who confirmed the tensions between FIFA and UEFA?

The tensions were relayed by Sky News and confirmed by an official UEFA press release.

Why is this situation happening now?

This situation comes as FIFA proposes to create a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, valued at $20 billion, and plans to sell more than 20%.

of this subsidiary to external investors.

What are UEFA's reactions to this project?

UEFA has expressed strong opposition, stating that this constitutes an attack on the foundations of football and that football should not be seen as a commercial asset.

What changes are FIFA considering to allay fears?

Gianni Infantino promised to increase the funds allocated to the development of federations, from 8 to 20 million dollars.

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