UEFA are firmly opposed to Gianni Infantino and FIFA's controversial plan to sell shares in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors and have issued another statement15:37, 29 Jul 2026Updated 15:37, 29 Jul 2026UEFA have issued a second statement criticising FIFA's plan to sell off the World Cup, saying that the scheme is designed to 'enrich themselves and their friends'. It comes ahead of an emergency UEFA meeting which will see European football chiefs discuss FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell shares in its competitions to private investors.‌After the plans were leaked on Tuesday, UEFA issued a statement claiming that FIFA had 'crossed a line'. Now, further reports say that FIFA has written to its 211 member associations promising $40m (£30m) if they back the controversial plan.‌It's added that the members have until September 19 to respond positively - or else they will not get to access an initial $20m (£15m) by January 1. UEFA have said that the deadline 'says everything you need to know about this plan'.‌A statement read: "Today we have learned of FIFA's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page‌"But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA's scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It's time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans."At the upcoming emergency meeting, UEFA could discuss boycotting the World Cup in what would be a drastic move. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin missed the men's final earlier this month amid tensions with FIFA. The next World Cup on the calendar is the women's edition in Brazil next year.‌It should be noted that FIFA is a not-for-profit organisation and is owned by its 211 members. FIFA therefore enjoys a tax-free status in Switzerland, where its headquarters are located.FIFA insist that, in the event of outside investment, it would retain sole control over football governance, its competitions and the international match calendar, as well as all sporting and regulatory decisions. It adds that the investment would go into a FIFA subsidiary rather than FIFA itself.Should UEFA boycott the World Cup? Have your say in the comments section.‌Infantino commented in FIFA's announcement - made after its plan was leaked: "Football is the world's most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development."Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value - and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game ... our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world."Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.