The FA ‘deeply concerned’ by FIFA’s investment plans amidst World Cup boycott threat | OneFootball

The FA has joined UEFA and other leading football organisations in voicing criticism against FIFA’s proposals for third-party investment.

It comes after FIFA announced plans to sell stakes in its major competitions, including the World Cup. The plans have sparked a huge backlash, with reports claiming some countries would be prepared to boycott the World Cup.

UEFA immediately hit out against the proposal, claiming it ‘crosses a line’. UEFA’s statement concluded: “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”

The English FA have now joined critics of the plans. They insist that they were blindsided by FIFA’s proposal, and are ‘deeply concerned’.

An FA statement read: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

The North American football governing body, Concacaf, were also blindsided by the proposal. This is despite Concacaf president Victor Montagliani also serving as FIFA vice-president.

A Concacaf statement read: “Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release. We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.

“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.

“This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the Fifa family will act in the same manner.”