UEFA welcomes FFE scrapping, calls for competent FIFA leadership
UEFA has praised FIFA’s decision to withdraw its private investment proposal while calling for greater transparency, stronger governance and renewed investment in football development worldwide.
UEFA has welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon plans to sell a stake in its competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, to private investors.
The European governing body described the withdrawal as an important step after widespread opposition from football associations, confederations and stakeholders across the global game.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said the proposal had been unanimously rejected by its member associations and many federations worldwide.
It also thanked fans, clubs, leagues, players, governments and football officials who opposed the initiative, insisting that “football is not for sale.”
UEFA criticised the way the proposal was developed, describing it as lacking transparency and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
The organisation added that confidence in FIFA’s current leadership had been damaged and urged a thorough review to prevent similar situations in the future.
The governing body also challenged FIFA’s financial strategy, arguing that the organisation’s reported reserves should be invested through the existing FIFA Forward programme rather than by selling commercial interests.
UEFA said resources should be directed toward grassroots football and member associations across all 211 FIFA nations.
UEFA confirmed it will work with its member associations, other confederations and football stakeholders to develop proposals for improving football development funding.
While welcoming FIFA’s decision to withdraw the plan, it stressed that restoring trust in world football governance remains an ongoing priority.
