Fifa vow to plough ahead with World Cup sale plot and shamelessly say ‘nobody is selling football’ after England boycott

FIFA has vowed to plough on with plans to sell the World Cup despite backlash across the footballing world. Uefa, Concacaf and the AFC have all criticised the football organisation for its plan with European nations boycotting all future Fifa tournaments. President Gianni Infantino introduced the controversial plans Credit: AFP England are among all of the Uefa members to agree to the boycott which would include the 2030 men’s World Cup. Fifa have responded to the complaints and have shamelessly insisted that “nobody is selling football”. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! A statement read: “We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday. “We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation. ⁠”Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA has the ability to express its vote based on facts. “FFE has been proposed solely to ensure that all Fifa Member Associations (MAs) have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries, and that this does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself. “Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Why 'dictator' Infantino's shameful plot to sell World Cup is destined to succeed GIANNI INFANTINO sent shockwaves through football with his latest plan to change the game as we know it, writes Simon Collings. And if this shameful scheme is to get the green light, it will require the majority support of Fifa’s 211 member associations and the governing body’s Council. The controversial president, for his part, can point to the huge revenues Fifa have generated since his time at the helm over the past ten years to explain his popularity. There are a few reasons – well, actually, a million or so reasons – why they could be on board with them. Read the article in full… “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.” Fifa has insisted that the FFE plan would create “value” that is shared among all 211 members. This would include the $20m over the next four years “irrespective” of its support for the plans. It also admitted that if FFE does not receive majority support then it would not be established and Fifa’s commercial activities will stay the same. The statement continued: “These components represent the starting point of the consultation process and are open for discussion as part of that process. “This can include approval, rejection or amendment in their entirety or individually. “These principles underpin the FFE proposal: unprecedented development funding, truly global ownership of the commercial opportunities of our sport, and full self-determination through a democratic process for all MAs.” MORE TO FOLLOW… Comment now