Emergency talks set for this week
Emergency talks over a potential World Cup boycott are set to be held this week after FIFA's controversial plans to create a private company sparked fury across European football.
UEFA has declared the World Cup is
not an asset to tradeafter FIFA confirmed proposals to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The new company would oversee commercial rights and operational delivery of FIFA competitions.
The row has intensified tensions between the governing bodies, with sources believing European associations will discuss co-ordinated responses, including boycotting future World Cups. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also been called to appear before the US House Judiciary Committee.
Concerns over investor involvement
Controversy deepened after FIFA revealed Thrive Eternal, launched by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, would lead the proposed investor group. Critics fear private investment could pressure FIFA to expand competitions or hold World Cups more frequently.
UEFA issued a strongly-worded response, stating:
The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell.
The Football Association have also shared their deep concerns, saying:
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.
Gary Neville told Sky Sports on Wednesday morning:
It's of many actions that we've seen from large organisations in the last five to ten years; it's not surprising anymore.
He added:
It falls well short of the standards that football fans would expect, and anybody would want for the game.
FIFA defends the plans
FIFA insists the company would remain under its control and generate significantly more money for football development worldwide. The organisation claims total development spending would exceed £7.5bn over four years if plans receive approval.
FFE has an implied valuation of around £15bn, with most value linked to the men's World Cup.
Relations between FIFA and UEFA have deteriorated sharply, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin boycotting this month's World Cup final in protest.
READ THE FULL STORY: FIFA revolt emerges overnight as emergency declared and Gianni Infantino investigated
