Scotland has joined all other UEFA nations in a boycott of the World Cup if FIFA plans to sell off stakes in its major competitions.
UEFA said no European nation will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as proposals to create a company to run the World Cup remain alive.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and President Mike Mulraney joined the emergency meeting on Thursday, called by European football’s governing body UEFA about the controversial plans.
Mulraney was named Chairperson of FIFA’s Finance Committee in October last year.
Plans to sell stakes in a private company which would oversee all commercial and operational aspects of FIFA’s competitions have drawn a furious reaction from UEFA, and raised concerns among European clubs and major leagues around the world.
UEFA organised a meeting of its 55 member associations for Thursday afternoon, having accused FIFA of seeking “to enrich themselves and their friends” through the proposal.
On Thursday, an organisation chaired by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters urged FIFA to withdraw the plan.
The Scottish FA said in a statement: “The SFA Board agrees unequivocally with the concerns raised by all members over the manner in which these proposals have been issued, and deadline set, without a full consultation process or consideration to good governance.
“The Board is fully supportive of the statement issued by UEFA following the meeting.
“We are also aligned with our fellow national associations who seek to ensure our collective voice is heard resoundingly, and that the Corinthian spirit which underpins the beautiful game – invented here in Scotland and shared with the world – is protected.”
A UEFA statement read: “No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”
“UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.
“We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said its 211 member associations will receive 40m US dollars (£30m) under plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, but has set a September 19 deadline if they want to access an initial $20m (£15m).
Infantino has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan, their earnings will be $2.7bn – almost 75% less.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and current champions Spain.
More to follow…
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