Gianni Infantino summoned as FIFA row erupts over World Cup plans that ‘cross a line’

Need to know

Emergency talks are set to be held this week after FIFA’s controversial World Cup plans sparked strong criticism across European football, with a potential boycott now being discussed

Everything you need to know about the massive FIFA row that exploded overnight as a World Cup boycott is under discussion…

• Crisis talks regarding a possible World Cup boycott are scheduled to take place this week following FIFA’s contentious plans to establish a private company that have triggered outrage throughout European football.
• UEFA has proclaimed the World Cup is “not an asset to trade” after FIFA announced proposals to set up FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The fresh entity would manage commercial rights and operational delivery of FIFA tournaments.
• The dispute has heightened friction between the governing bodies, with sources suggesting European associations will consider coordinated action, including boycotting upcoming World Cups. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also been summoned to appear before the US House Judiciary Committee.
• The controversy deepened after FIFA disclosed that Thrive Eternal, established by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, would spearhead the proposed investor consortium. Critics worry that private investment could pressure FIFA to expand tournaments or stage World Cups more regularly.
• UEFA released a forcefully-worded statement, declaring: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. “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 voiced their profound worries, stating: “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 typical 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 maintains that the company would stay under its oversight and produce considerably more revenue for football development across the globe. The body asserts total development expenditure would surpass £7.5bn over four years should the proposals gain backing.
• FFE carries an estimated worth of approximately £15bn, with the majority of its value tied to the men’s World Cup. Ties between FIFA and UEFA have soured dramatically, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin snubbing this month’s World Cup final in defiance.