FIFA have responded to threats of boycott by major associations in respect of the sale of World Cup shares with an official statement.
On Thursday, UEFA announced that the federation’s member countries will boycott the World Cup if FIFA’s plans to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors proceeded.
Several other federations, including those of North and Central America and the Caribbean, have announced that they also do not accept FIFA’s proposal.
On Friday night, a response came from the international football federation. A clear one.
“We will continue the process to ensure that all member associations can make their voices heard, based on facts,” FIFA said.
“Nobody is selling football. That is something FIFA would never do. Everyone has the right to express their point of view but no one can say they represent all 211 member countries around the world. All countries should be allowed to review the proposal and be involved in shaping their own future. Those are the democratic principles of FIFA.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously, in a letter to all national associations, given an ultimatum: Accept the plan and receive hundreds of millions, or refuse and lose out on almost as much.
FIFA want answers by September 19.
