Fifa has refused to abandon its plans to sell stakes in a new $20bn commercial vehicle, the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), despite a boycott threat from all Uefa nations. All 55 European nations, including England's Football Association, voted yesterday to support a boycott of all Fifa tournaments if the proposals proceed.
Uefa called for an immediate end to the consultation launched by Fifa president Gianni Infantino this week, ahead of a potential vote in September. Fifa stated it would proceed with the consultation to ensure member associations can express their vote "based on facts," rejecting claims that its plan amounts to "selling football."
Fifa's statement, released overnight, said the FFE is proposed to ensure member associations have "meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries." This stance risks further fracturing relations with Uefa, which has previously played a key role in defeating other radical Fifa-backed plans.