UEFA will convene an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday afternoon to formulate its response to FIFA’s controversial plan to sell a 20 percent stake in its competitions to private investors.
Tensions escalated after a letter sent by FIFA to all 211 member associations revealed a September 19 deadline to back the proposal or forfeit an initial $20 million (£15 million) payout. The private investment deal is backed by Thrive Eternal, an investment firm owned by Joshua Kushner.
“We have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan. “UEFA said in its statement.
Escalating backlash and boycott warnings
The secret nature of the proposal has sparked widespread anger across global football governance, with key officials including English FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt learning of the plan only through media reports.
While former FA and Manchester City chairman David Bernstein urged England to consider withdrawing from the World Cup if the plan proceeds, opinions remain split within Europe. Czech Republic FA president David Trunda acknowledged the proposal’s potential, noting that his association “can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football”.
The secret nature of the proposal has sparked widespread anger across global football governance, with key officials including English FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt learning of the plan only through media reports.
While former FA and Manchester City chairman David Bernstein urged England to consider withdrawing from the World Cup if the plan proceeds, opinions remain split within Europe. Czech Republic FA president David Trunda acknowledged the proposal’s potential, noting that his association “can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football”.
