World Cup privatisation: FSA welcomes European football boycott

Earlier today 55 of Europe’s football associations voted to boycott future FIFA tournaments if the sport’s global governing body presses ahead with plans to ‘privatise’ the World Cup.

UEFA – the umbrella organisation for European national football associations – made its opposition clear to FIFA’s plans by releasing two damning statements earlier this week and that position has now been supported by a vote of national associations at an emergency meeting earlier today.

UEFA’s boycott would cover all FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and Club World Cup, and would be triggered if FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposals to effectively ‘privatise’ the World Cup are voted through by member associations at international level.

The first time this will be tested at a senior tournament is in October, when the Women’s World Cup play-offs are due to be held.

FSA chair Tom Greatrex welcomed the vote from Europe’s football associations.

Tom said: “Football supporters, clubs, leagues and many others who have been alarmed at Gianni Infantino’s proposed sell off of the World Cup welcome the concerted action from European national bodies, including the English FA, to stand up for football and the integrity of the international game.

“The World Cup is the pinnacle of the game because it brings nations together to create a sporting spectacle beyond compare. That should be valued, nurtured and protected. It is not the plaything of any individual, and the FA and UEFA have taken the correct stance.

“A World Cup sold off to investors without any due diligence is not a World Cup worthy of participation. Gianni Infantino should heed the warning, back down and FIFA should then focus on restoring credibility and integrity to an institution which has let the game down so badly.”