Sports
Backlash for Infantino as UEFA, Concacaf reject proposed sell.of world cup stake, threaten to boycott 2030 World cup
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has faced serious opposition since the world football governing body announced plans to sell world cup stakes to raise mire fund for member associations
FIFA had last week announced that member associations would receive upgraded funds to the tune of $20m each following an it’s proposed selling world cup stakes
But opposition to thus proposal has mounted with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and European Football Asdovians, UEFA threatening to boycott the 3030 World cup, if FIFA moves ahead with the proposal
Concacaf has formally rejected FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors, becoming the latest football body to oppose the plan.
The decision was reached after representatives of all 41 Concacaf member associations met on Thursday to deliberate on the proposal.
According to reports, the meeting exposed growing unease among member nations over FIFA’s leadership under president Gianni Infantino.
Similarly, Europe’s leading football associations have rallied behind UEFA’s decision to boycott FIFA competitions if the world governing body proceeds with plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup to private investors.
The strong reactions followed UEFA’s unanimous vote on Thursday to oppose FIFA’s controversial proposal, with several national football associations warning they would withdraw from FIFA tournaments unless the governing body reverses course.
England’s Football Association declared its full support for UEFA, insisting the World Cup should remain in the hands of football.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view. We oppose FIFA’s plans — the FIFA World Cup belongs to football and always will,” the FA said in a statement.
Scotland’s Football Association also endorsed the boycott, criticising FIFA over what it described as a lack of consultation and poor governance.
“The Scottish FA Board agrees unequivocally with the concerns raised by all members over the manner in which these proposals have been issued, and the deadline set, without a full consultation process or consideration to good governance,” it said.
Danish FA chairman Jesper Moller dismissed the proposal outright, saying football’s governing body should not allow private investors into its core operations.
“It is out of the question to accede to an agreement of this nature, where we invite private investors into the heart of FIFA. We will therefore support all necessary measures to stop this project,” he said.
Germany also voiced strong opposition through Alexander Wehrle, chairman of the supervisory board of the German FA’s economic and digital subsidiary and chief executive of Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart.
“A line has once again been crossed and he (Gianni Infantino) wants to sell off football,” Wehrle said.
UEFA threatens World Cup boycott if FIFA pushes private investor proposal
UEFA to boycott FIFA tournaments if Infantino’s investment plan goes through
“I don’t believe an association’s overriding principle should be profit maximisation. Something has gone off track here, and it has to stop.”
Sweden’s Football Association echoed UEFA’s concerns, saying any proposal with such far-reaching implications for international football should be handled through an open, transparent and properly consulted process.
Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness warned FIFA that member associations were prepared to follow through with the boycott if the proposal continued.
“We cannot accept a process where a project that changes the very core of our shared model is developed in secret, outside the elected bodies, and presented as a done deal without any consultation,” Klaveness said.
“The message from Norway and UEFA is clear: if this project continues, we will withdraw from FIFA competitions.”
The National Sports Commission (NSC, has scheduled the first Joint Technical Meeting and inspection of venues and facilities for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026, for October 27–30, 2026.
The exercise, which will bring together key stakeholders in Nigerian sports, is designed to address technical issues relating to the Festival and assess the readiness of facilities designated for the Games.
The Commission, in a statement signed by
Zira Zakka Nagga, head of Press and Public Relations Unit, described the meeting and inspection are important components of preparations for the Festival, providing an opportunity to review technical arrangements, identify potential challenges and ensure that relevant facilities are assessed ahead of the national sporting event.
According to the schedule issued by the Office of the Director-General, Tuesday, October 27, is designated for arrivals, while the inspection of venues and facilities will take place on Wednesday, October 28. The inspection will continue alongside the Joint Technical Meeting on Thursday, October 29, with departures scheduled for Friday, October 30.
Expected participants include members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), secretaries and technical directors of National Sports Federations, zonal coordinators, directors of sports from the states, and representatives of the media.
The Joint Technical Meeting underscores the importance of coordination among the National Sports Commission, the host state and other stakeholders in laying the groundwork for a successful National Sports Festival.
The NSC, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, continues to work towards strengthening sports development and creating an enabling environment for athletes from across the country to showcase their talents at the Coal City Games Enugu 2026.
The Bureau of the FIFA Council on Thursday approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to manage the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation, pending fresh elections into the NFF Executive Committee.
According to a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström and addressed to Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, “the normalisation committee shall consist of a suitable number of members, who will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF as soon as possible.”
The letter also informed that “the period during which the normalisation committee shall perform its functions shall expire as soon as it has fulfilled all of its tasks, but by no later than 31 May 2027.” None of the members of the normalisation committee will be eligible for the positions to be filled during the upcoming NFF elections under any circumstances.
In the meantime, the Secretariat of the NFF will continue with the day-to-day running of the organisation and administration of the country’s football pending the appointment of the Normalisation Committee.
Nigeria’s U-17 Women National Team, the Flamingos, kept their campaign at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on track with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter on Tuesday night in Rabat.
The 2022 World Cup bronze-medallists started the game with real intent, pressing high and creating early problems for the Puerto Rican defence. It was a lively opening from both sides, but the Flamingos soon took control with their quick movement and direct play going forward.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished brilliantly from Queen Joseph’s assist to put Nigeria 1-0 up. That goal settled the Nigerian girls and gave them the confidence to dominate possession for most of the first half.
In the second period, the Flamingos continued to push for another goal. Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha all came close, while Puerto Rico also tried to find a way back into the game with a couple of changes. Coach Hakeem Busari responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to add more energy and bite in attack.
The pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute when Nigeria got the second goal as substitute Precious Oscar nodded home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to seal the contest at 2-0. The team showed great maturity to see out six minutes of added time and secure all three points. The victory is a big boost for the Flamingos as North Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the other match of Group B. The high-score deficit against the Poles is an advantage to the Flamingos ahead of Friday’s Group B encounter against the Koreans.
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