UEFA will convene an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss its response to FIFA and Gianni Infantino’s controversial World Cup stakeholder plans. The governing body has criticized FIFA’s letter, seen by the BBC, which was sent to all 211 member associations and set a 19 September deadline for them to accept a deal that includes the first $20m of an initial $40m. UEFA’s second statement on the issue, after claiming FIFA had “crossed a line,” highlights its unease with the proposal to sell a 20 % stake in FIFA competitions to private finance, led by the Thrive Eternal vehicle owned by Joshua Kushner. Key associations, such as the Football Association chaired by Debbie Hewitt, learned of the plan only through the media. UEFA, along with the Asian, South American and North‑and‑Central American confederations, worries that a mass withdrawal could damage the tournament’s financial viability. While some members, like Czech Republic FA president David Trunda, see pragmatic benefits, FIFA argues the proposal would fund better pitches, stronger national teams, pathways for young players and greater support for women’s football жа

FIFA’s eight‑page document defends the plans as a “golden opportunity” to turbocharge global development, citing the first‑time qualification of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan as evidence. Critics, including La Liga president Javier Tebas and German FA vice‑president Hans‑Joachim Watzke, accuse the initiative of political manipulation and lack of transparency. The debate continues as UEFA prepares to weigh the implications of this unprecedented move.