"Nobody is selling football," FIFA said in a statement hitting back at widespread criticism over a plan to allow private investors to acquire stakes in upcoming World Cup tournaments.
"This is not something FIFA would ever entertain." In a statement, FIFA said all of its member associations should have a chance to consider the plan, calling for an "open and democratic" consultation.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) threatened to boycott the World Cup over Infantino's plan on Thursday afternoon. Soon after, the football federations of CONCACAF (North and Central America), also voiced their unanimous opposition to the plan.
UEFA and CONCACAF comprise of 55 and 41 member associations respectively. The total number of member associations under FIFA is 211, and the plan would need to be approved by a simple majority in order to pass.
'We will proceed with the consultation process'
