North American nations reject Infantino’s World Cup private equity plan after UEFA vows boycott
GENEVA (AP) — North America’s soccer body on Thursday rejected FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors, joining European nations in opposition.
The 41-member Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) held an urgent meeting Thursday after UEFA members agreed to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions to protest Infantino’s plan.
“During the meeting," CONCACAF said in a statement, "the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies.
“In addition, the need for private equity investment to fund new and existing FIFA Forward programs following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history was questioned.”
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