UEFA slams FIFA over Infantino's deadline for World Cup stake sale

• UEFA has escalated its dispute with FIFA over a proposed plan to sell up to a 20% stake in a new World Cup investment company.
• FIFA says the venture would bring new funding into global football, while critics accuse the organization of excessive commercialization.

The dispute between FIFA and UEFA has intensified after European football's governing body condemned FIFA's plan to sell a stake in a new company managing the World Cup and other tournaments.

UEFA said FIFA "cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends," accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of pressuring national football associations to support the proposal by setting a deadline for approval.

FIFA announced plans to establish a $20 billion subsidiary that would oversee the commercial management of the World Cup and other competitions.

The proposal would allow external investors to acquire up to a 20% stake in the venture.

A letter sent to football associations worldwide reportedly gave members until September 19 to support the plan, with a financial incentive of around $40 million for early participation.

UEFA criticized the deadline, saying it demonstrated concerns about the proposal and claiming opposition was increasing among football organizations.

UEFA is expected to hold an emergency virtual meeting to discuss its response and possible next steps.

The European body previously accused FIFA of putting football's "soul" up for sale, warning against the increasing influence of private investment in the sport.

The proposal involves US financial firm JPMorgan, while potential investors reportedly include Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump.

FIFA said investors would undergo strict vetting and would only receive minority, non-controlling stakes.

The organization said all net proceeds would be reinvested into football development worldwide.

The plan requires approval from FIFA's 211 member associations and a majority vote, along with approval from the FIFA Council, the body's 37-member decision-making panel chaired by Infantino.

Several European football associations have raised concerns over the proposal, arguing it risks mixing football with politics and private business interests.

The English Football Association said it had not been informed about the plan in advance and had "no substantive details" about the proposal.

EU Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef also criticized the growing commercialization of football, saying it had become "corrosive," while newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the World Cup "is not a product" to be sold.