KNVB joins UEFA threat to boycott FIFA competitions over World Cup investment plans
The KNVB said it opposes FIFA's plans to further commercialize the World Cup, reaffirming its position after a UEFA meeting. The Dutch football association told ANP that it stands alongside the other 54 UEFA member associations in rejecting a proposal from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. All 55 UEFA member associations have unanimously agreed to boycott FIFA competitions if the governing body moves ahead with plans to sell ownership interests in its tournaments to private investors.
The KNVB said sporting interests should always outweigh commercial considerations. "All member associations have agreed not to take part in FIFA competitions while this proposal remains on the table," the association said. "International football is not just about the governing bodies, but also about our clubs, domestic competitions, players, and fans across both professional and amateur football."
KNVB president Frank Paauw and secretary-general Gijs de Jong attended UEFA's emergency online meeting on Thursday, where European football officials discussed FIFA's latest proposals.
UEFA has already voiced strong opposition to the proposal, issuing two sharply critical statements. If implemented, the boycott would cover all FIFA tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly intends to bring the proposal to a vote in September.
The first test of UEFA's position is expected to come in October, when the Women's World Cup qualifying playoffs are due to take place.
Infantino called the proposal "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Under the plan, FIFA would seek to raise billions by selling stakes in the commercial rights to its competitions, including the World Cup. The governing body has reportedly given its 211 member associations until September 19 to approve the proposed investment deal.
UEFA says the proposal must be scrapped permanently. Unless FIFA abandons the plan, the confederation's member associations will refuse to participate in FIFA competitions.