Uefa accuses Fifa of ‘enriching themselves’ over competition sell-off proposal

Updated at 19.21

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 (€35.15 million) under plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, but has set a 19 September deadline if they want to access an initial $20m (€17.57 million).

Infantino has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan, their earnings will be $2.7 billion (€2.37 billion) — almost 75% less — but the Football Association and others have voiced concerns.

European football’s governing body Uefa launched a fresh attack on the plan on Wednesday, saying in a statement: “Today we have learned of Fifa’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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.

“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 prioritise 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 on Wednesday, the FA said in a statement: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

Advertisement

“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 cooperation 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 cooperation 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.”

The European Leagues, which represent professional football leagues across Europe, including the Premier League, EFL, the League of Ireland and Scottish Premier League, firmly rejected the Fifa proposal after meeting virtually on Wednesday.

European Leagues Board president Claudius Schafer said: “Fifa’s latest proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup would give private investors a permanent claim on football tomorrow.

“This would put at risk the foundations on which football has developed and prospered for generations.

“Responsible football leaders have a duty to stand together in opposing this proposal not only for today’s game, but for future generations of players and supporters, ensuring we pass on a sport that remains healthy, sustainable and true to the values that have turned it into the world’s game.”

Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation both expressed disappointment that they had not been consulted on the proposal.

A statement from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football said: “Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release. We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.

“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.”

The AFC said: “We were not consulted on the proposal and are disappointed that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before the AFC family had been afforded the opportunity to examine and discuss it through the appropriate and established governance channels.”

European Football Clubs (EFC), which represents over 850 clubs, has expressed its own concerns, saying it seeks to work collaboratively and supportively with all stakeholders – Fifa, Uefa and all confederations, national associations, leagues, player and fan associations.

The EFC said: “In that vein, we urge calm and thorough consultation on all topics affecting the football ecosystem, together with more rigorous and transparent governance processes put in place to protect the game for the long term.”