Uefa statement in full as Gianni Infantino blasted for ‘governance by intimidation’ over shameless World Cup plan

UEFA have “unanimously and unequivocally” slammed Fifa’s controversial World Cup plans as they point to intimidation tactics. Revealed earlier this week, the Fifa president’s latest proposal involves transferring control of top tournaments like the World Cup to a new subsidiary, followed by the sale of a substantial portion of the business. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has come under major fire for new World Cup plans Credit: Reuters Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has slammed Fifa’s proposals Credit: PA European football’s governing body hosted a virtual meeting with its 55 member associations today. And Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has blasted Gianni Infantino for his plans amid the Uefa-Fifa civil war. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Uefa has since published a statement that reads: “UEFA and its national associations will not participate in Fifa competitions. “UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. “We unanimously and unequivocally reject Fifa’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other Fifa competitions to private investors. “The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. “It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. “No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Best sport travel offers HERE are our top picks of the best sport travel trips this summer. We have teamed up with some of the UK’s finest travel firms to come up with these offers. 🏎️ SEE the Italian Grand Prix with tickets, flights and 5 nights in a hotel for just £789pp. – – MORE DETAILS HERE 🏇 TREAT yourself to a trip to York Ebor with £20 off hospitality – – MORE DETAILS HERE 🎯 WATCH the world’s finest darts players go head to head at Butlin’s Minehead at the PDC Championship Finals — MORE DETAILS HERE * If you click on a link we will earn affiliate revenue. “It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game. “This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of Fifa’s duty as the custodian of world football. “National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences. “This is not a ‘democratic decision’, but governance by intimidation – an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game. “But our opposition goes far beyond process. “The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in Fifa competitions, football changes forever. “Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. “From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders. England are willing to boycott the next World Cup Credit: Getty Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also brushed off Fifa’s controversial plans Credit: Getty “This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. “Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. “Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain. “Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. “No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation. “As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive. “Unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that Fifa will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership. “Nobody should be in any doubt: UEFA and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination. “There are moments when institutions are judged not by what they are prepared to accept, but by what they refuse to compromise. “This is one of those moments. Some things are simply too important to sell. “The Fifa World Cup belongs to football. It always will. “And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.” Comment now