UEFA is being urged to demonstrate a strong stance against FIFA's controversial plan to sell portions of the World Cup to private investors. This proposal, unveiled nine days after the conclusion of the recent tournament, has reportedly caused significant concern within the sport.
National football associations have been given a deadline of September 19 to decide whether to accept an initial $20m (£15m) payment. This payment would effectively signal their endorsement of the new scheme.
The Guardian reported in mid-July that over 200 of FIFA's 211 members have already submitted letters supporting Gianni Infantino's re-election candidacy for early next year. Most of those resisting pressure to offer backing are reportedly from Europe, with Germany identified as a high-profile holdout.
Discussions around a potential boycott of future World Cups, including the women's edition in Brazil next year, are complicated by FIFA statutes. These rules reportedly oblige members to participate in its competitions, with financially prohibitive sanctions for non-compliance.