FOOTBALL – FIFA said yesterday it would push ahead with consultations on a plan to bring private investment into the World Cup despite European football threatening a boycott and other regional confederations rebuking the global soccer body’s plans.
Switzerland-based Fifa said “incorrect media reports” this week had disrupted its planned consultation process but that it would press on with putting the controversial proposal in front of its 211 national football member associations.
“We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA (Member Association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts,” it said in a statement issued in the middle of the European night.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain,” Fifa responded in yesterday’s statement.
“Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world.
“Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of Fifa.”
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