FA 'deeply concerned' by FIFA investment plans as UEFA 'consider World Cup boycott'

The Football Association (FA) says it is "deeply concerned" by FIFA's proposals to seek private investment in its competitions, including the World Cup.FIFA intends to "invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments" in a new commercial subsidiary.That private company would run and have control of top competitions, such as the World Cup, and it raises the prospect of further expansion to prioritise revenue.FIFA confirmed that the proposed investor group would be led by Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.The plan would need to be passed by a vote of FIFA’s 211 member nations, who are set to each be able to access up to £15m in the proposals.The FA will join an emergency meeting of UEFA’s 55 member associations later this week to discuss the plans.It has been suggested that all options are on the table, with European nations potentially even considering a boycott of the World Cup.Controversial plans: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been subject to more strong criticismAFP/GettyIt remains to be seen what comes out of that virtual meeting, but the FA has responded with concern to the ideas put forward by FIFA.A statement on Wednesday read: "We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached."Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved."When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further."Read More“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially," UEFA said."None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”He said: "The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone's to sell. Dress the deal up however you like."Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will."CONCACAF, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, has also criticised the proposals.“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” it said in a statement.“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.“This is the framework within which CONCACAF operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”