FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors has met significant opposition, with all 55 UEFA nations voting unanimously to boycott FIFA tournaments, including World Cups, should the scheme proceed.
This potential boycott would mean Spain and Portugal, hosts of the next men's World Cup, would not participate in their own tournament. The plan has also been described as 'vulgar' by the North American confederation, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, who leads the AFC, stated that the confederation is "deeply concerned that Fifa’s unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of continental football." He called for "the highest standards of ethics and good governance."
Despite the widespread opposition, Infantino is reportedly still insisting on pressing ahead with the scheme. JP Morgan is again involved, working with FIFA to raise $4.2bn with the new commercial vehicle, five years after apologising for its role in the European Super League plan.