ไทย
English
中國人
UEFA's collective threat to boycott all future FIFA competitions has sparked a wide variety of reactions.
Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell off the commercial rights of both the men's and women's World Cup was met with widespread disapproval—though some questioned whether the implications were truly as drastic as many suggested. UEFA responded with an immediate hardline stance, now solidified by a formal pledge to withdraw from every competition under world soccer's governing body if Infantino's privatization plan moves forward.
European soccer's assembly of associations labeled the secretive crafting of the proposal as "irresponsible and indefensible," warning that its dependence on private investors risks transforming soccer "forever." "Some things are simply too important to sell," it concluded. Not everyone shared that resolve.
'Good on UEFA'
Many responded with an immediate wave of support. UEFA has rarely missed an opportunity to fire a strongly worded shot at FIFA amid the ongoing tension between the two organizations. There was no shortage of petty point-scoring during the recently concluded men's World Cup, with Somali referee Omar Artan notably being appointed to oversee the upcoming UEFA Super Cup after he was denied entry into the United States.
However, strong words have rarely translated into meaningful action. Even UEFA's reported threats to boycott the World Cup were met with skepticism from those doubting whether anything concrete would follow. Now that it has, the organization has earned some genuine credit.
Good on UEFA nations - proposing to boycott is the only way to undercut these grim plans of Infantino. They are the most powerful confederation for global appeal. Hope it causes this gross charade to fall on its arse.
Eyes now turn to the U20 Women's World Cup in September. pic.twitter.com/LDhvSJmhba
All 55 UEFA countries have voted to support a World Cup boycott in response to Infantino's stake sale. What's a global tournament without the Europeans worth? Significantly less.
Infantino's scheme is effectively dead.
There is no World Cup without Europe.
No one is going to tune in to watch Brazil and Argentina pound the rest of the world.
UEFA is still the prime commercial draw. https://t.co/uSAD99UI20
This is especially notable when compared to earlier versions of UEFA, which were entangled in their own complicated history with FIFA.
Platini would've taken the money and run. I'm not used to this.
However, not everyone was so convinced.
The Skeptics
Its funny that this "boycott the World Cup" story started right after the WC ended, because everyone knows no country will boycott the World Cup & they will eventually come to an 'agreement' and they'll play in WC 2030 😂
You know it, I know it, FIFA knows it and UEFA knows it. https://t.co/pjwH9l0sJ0
While a strongly worded public statement can serve as a show of defiance for many, others are waiting for concrete proof that this threat will actually be carried out.
boycott is gonna be like 3 days and afterwards everyone is gonna forget about it https://t.co/kxdgBrmEms pic.twitter.com/PQQyBAVzvt
Boycotting the World Cup 4 years before it happens is very brave https://t.co/3sV2P3qMPU
Yet, those pointing to the next men's World Cup in 2030 as the only real test of UEFA's commitment overlooked several far more pressing upcoming dates.
The Key Dates to Look Out for
As some were quick to highlight, the FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup kicks off on Sept. 5 and will feature six European nations: France, Italy, England, Portugal, Spain, and host nation Poland.
Women's U20 World Cup is being hosted by Poland and features 6 European teams.
First match in 37 days.
Then the Women's World Cup Uefa playoffs, featuring England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, in October.
Followed by Women's U17 World Cup in October (5 European). https://t.co/1xOnrQF7Ex
An intriguing complication surrounding this tournament is that it gets underway before Infantino's own self-imposed deadline. A leaked letter from earlier this week revealed that all 211 associations had until Sept. 19 to decide whether they supported the plan to sell the commercial rights of FIFA's flagship tournament to U.S. President Donald Trump's in-laws—and in turn receive $40 million—or remain with the existing arrangement of approximately $2 million per year.
As many have noted, all attention will now be on how FIFA responds to this standoff.
Would be fascinating/terrifying if FIFA crack on and really test UEFA's bottle on boycotting women's World Cup. No exaggeration to say that would have a calamitous impact on player's livelihoods through no fault of their own.
Some even suggested that UEFA may have miscalculated its position.
What happens if FIFA goes ahead with their plan, sell part of the World Cup to investors and now that European nations aren't involved the payoff to football associations across the globe skyrockets, making it even more tempting? UEFA have walked into a trap?