UEFA threatens boycott of SP-A
Croatia and 54 more European nations threaten to boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with plans to sell ownership stakes in its competitions to private investors.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA has said that European teams will not participate in any FIFA competition until the plan is withdrawn.
"UEFA and its 55 member associations stand together. We unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to sell ownership stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors", said UEFA.
The boycott would only be lifted if FIFA withdraws the proposal and provides guarantees that its competitions and management structure will not be opened to private ownership in the future.
"The World Cup cannot be seen as an investment product. It is one of the greatest sporting legacies in football. Built by generations of players, teams and fans from all continents. No part of it should be handed over to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale", reads the statement.
UEFA has also criticized the way FIFA prepared the proposal. It believes that the plan was designed in secret and almost adopted without serious discussions with national associations and other stakeholders in world football.
Why is this important for Croatia?
A boycott of the World Cup would have serious consequences for Croatian football. Croatia would have to give up its participation in one of the most important competitions in football.
"No one has the moral right to sell what has been entrusted to them for the benefit of future generations", emphasize.
What's next?
UEFA does not oppose the plan only because of the way it was prepared. It has warned that the entry of private investors would permanently change football as it would make the pursuit of profit a permanent obligation for the organizers of the competition.
"The moment when external investors acquire ownership stakes in FIFA's competitions, football is forever changed. The pursuit of commercial profit becomes a permanent obligation, and the expectations of investors are a daily pressure", said UEFA.
Current position of Croatia
Croatia currently occupies second place in the World Cup with 6 points from 3 games. The last result was a 2-1 loss to Portugal.
Next fixtures
Croatia will face Czech Republic in the next round away.
