The Scottish FA has agreed “unequivocally” with UEFA’s decision to boycott the World Cup until FIFA drops its controversial plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
The game’s global governing body sent shockwaves through the world of football with its radical proposals, triggering outrage among the European nations.
All UEFA’s 55 member associations firmly opposed the plan by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and it was dealt what could be a fatal blow when Concacaf, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, later said its 41 nations would reject the proposal. However, its statement fell short of joining UEFA’s boycott.
A further setback to the plan was delivered by Sheikh Salman, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, who wrote to his 47 members expressing “great concern and disappointment” at the lack of consultation from FIFA.
The next World Cup matches involving European nations are scheduled for 9 October, when UEFA’s 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs begin.
SFA president Mike Mulraney and chief executive Ian Maxwell attended a remote meeting of UEFA, chaired by its president, Aleksander Ceferin, to consider a response.
A statement from Hampden Park said: “The Scottish FA board agrees unequivocally with the concerns raised by all (UEFA) 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.”
FIFA said that under its plan the 211 member associations would each receive $40m (£30m) through a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup. A deadline of 19 September has been set for those wishing to access an initial $20m (£15m).
It is proposed that World Cup be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, or held more regularly than every four years, which would boost the financial value of the company. Critics fear the introduction of more commercial elements, such as longer half-time breaks to allow revenue-raising entertainment.
A robust statement from UEFA said: “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. 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.”
The men’s World Cup in 2030 is due to be hosted by the holders Spain, together with Portugal and Morocco. Spain and Portugal would therefore be boycotting their own tournament if Infantino goes ahead with his plan.
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