England joins FIFA revolt: FA 'deeply concerned' over World Cup sell-off plan linked to Trump's family
FIFA has proposed setting up a private company to run its competitions, which would have links to the extended family of United States President Donald Trump.
The Football Association has said it is “deeply concerned” by FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in its major competitions.
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FIFA announced on Tuesday proposals to set up a private company to run its competitions, which would have links to the extended family of United States President Donald Trump.
The announcement produced a furious backlash from European football’s governing body UEFA, which insisted the World Cup is not an “asset to trade” and may lead to the Confederation boycotting the tournament.
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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.”
It is understood that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told its 211 member associations they will all receive 40million US dollars by agreeing to his World Cup sell-off plan, but they must sign up to it by September 19.
As first reported by The Times, Infantino says that a funding package totalling $10billion will become available if associations sign up.
He has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan, their earnings will be $2.7billion — almost 75 per cent less.
The plan has been criticised by new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who said the World Cup is “not a product” and belongs to fans and not investors.
UEFA said on Tuesday that it takes the plan “extremely seriously” and that it “crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross”.
The body questioned FIFA’s transparency and CONCACAF, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, has also criticised world football’s governing body.
“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” it said in a statement.
“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.
"As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.
“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.
“This is the framework within which CONCACAF operates.
“We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”