The World Cup could have no European teams due to controversial Gianni Infantino plan

European countries are considering boycotting the World Cup over a plan conceived by Gianni Infantino.

This week, UEFA nations will participate in a virtual emergency meeting to discuss their opposition to the idea.

UEFA is furious with Gianni Infantino

According to Sky News, if Gianni Infantino goes ahead with his idea of selling off part of FIFA to private investors, then European nations could genuinely boycott the World Cup.

They completely oppose FIFA’s attempt to launch a new commercial company with external investment.

FIFA only confirmed that Infantino wants to create a subsidiary worth $20bn (15bn) and sell off more than 20% of the new FIFA Forward Enterprise by raising $4.2bn (£3.16bn), in the aftermath of UEFA going public with its fears.

The FA were apparently completely unaware of the idea, until FIFA announced its plans on July 28. FIFA chose not to bring up the divisive strategy in New York, USA, during meetings with football associations on the day prior to the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.

This angered UEFA, with the organisation infuriated with the way Infantino is steering the ship at FIFA.

In a statement, UEFA said: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously.

“So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”

If Infantino does not back down, then the European nations could threaten to boycott the World Cup. The next edition of the tournament is for the women, which will take place in Brazil.

Gianni Infantino reacts to UEFA backlash

Infantino was quick to defend himself from UEFA’s fury, claiming the reason for the sell-off is to raise more money for member associations to invest in football.

He explained: “Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world.

“Every FIFA Member Association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

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