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UEFA

UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over proposed World Cup investment plan

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UEFA threatens

NYON, Switzerland: UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, if the governing body moves forward with a proposal to sell a stake in its commercial operations to private investors.

According to UEFA, its member associations unanimously agreed during an online meeting that European national teams would not participate in FIFA tournaments unless the proposal is withdrawn and FIFA guarantees it will not introduce private ownership into its competitions or governance structure.

In a statement, UEFA said the World Cup is “a historic football legacy” built by generations of players, national teams and supporters, arguing that it should not be treated as an investment asset or partially transferred to private investors.

The dispute follows a proposal backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to separate FIFA’s commercial business under a plan reportedly valued at $20 billion, with 20% of the commercial entity potentially being sold to private investors. The proposal also reportedly includes a $20 million payment to each FIFA member association, with a decision expected by mid-September.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also expressed reservations about the proposal. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa criticized FIFA for advancing the plan without sufficient consultation, saying it could weaken the existing structure of global football. Infantino has maintained that private investment is only an option rather than a mandatory policy, but the proposal has sparked strong opposition from football organizations worldwide.

UEFA criticizes FIFA decision to suspend Balogun ban after Trump appeal

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UEFA criticizes

ZURICH: UEFA has sharply criticized FIFA over its reported decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review the case.

UEFA said the automatic one-match suspension following a red card is a fundamental provision of the Laws of the Game and is not subject to discretionary approval.

The organization described the reported decision as “extraordinary,” “incomprehensible” and “unjustified,” warning that such an action could undermine confidence in the integrity of football’s disciplinary system.

The European governing body said altering an automatic suspension during a tournament would cross “a red line” and could create a precedent for future disciplinary cases.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also criticized the reported move in a post on X, saying football should never become a tool of political influence.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote, adding that disciplinary decisions should be based on rules, evidence and independent judicial bodies.

According to media reports, Balogun received a red card during the United States’ Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match suspension that would have ruled him out of the Americans’ Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Reports said FIFA later suspended enforcement of the ban for one year, making Balogun eligible for the knockout match.

Trump confirmed at the White House that he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the disciplinary decision because he believed the incident did not warrant a red card. Trump said he did not ask FIFA to lift the suspension but requested that the case be reconsidered.

The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was surprised by the reported decision and is considering its legal options. Belgium’s foreign minister also said that if the suspension was lifted solely because of a phone call, it would represent a violation of football’s governing principles.

FIFA had not publicly responded to UEFA’s criticism at the time of publication.

UEFA imposes lifetime ban on ex-coach over secret filming of women players

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UEFA imposes

NYON: UEFA has imposed a lifetime ban on former coach Petr Vlachovský after finding that he secretly recorded women footballers in dressing rooms and showers.

European football’s governing body said its disciplinary investigation concluded that the 42-year-old coach engaged in unethical conduct and actions that damaged the reputation of the sport.

A court in the Czech Republic last year handed Vlachovský a one-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban after convicting him of secretly filming 14 female players.

Police launched an investigation in September 2023 after the hidden recordings surfaced online. Authorities said the coach concealed a camera inside a bag to film players in locker rooms and shower areas. Some of the victims were minors.

UEFA has asked FIFA to extend the ban worldwide to prevent Vlachovský from working in football in any country.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic has also been instructed to revoke his coaching license.