The KNVB has made its position clear: it does not support FIFA's push to further commercialize the World Cup. The Dutch football association reaffirmed this stance following a UEFA meeting, confirming it stands united with all 54 other UEFA member associations in opposing a proposal put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. In fact, every single one of UEFA's 55 member associations has agreed, unanimously, to boycott FIFA competitions altogether if the plan to sell ownership stakes in its tournaments to private investors goes ahead.
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Sporting Values Over Commercial Gains
For the KNVB, this comes down to a simple principle - sport should never take a back seat to money. "All member associations have agreed not to take part in FIFA competitions while this proposal remains on the table," the association stated. It also stressed that football is bigger than just the organizations running it.
"International football is not just about the governing bodies, but also about our clubs, domestic competitions, players, and fans across both professional and amateur football."
KNVB president Frank Paauw and secretary-general Gijs de Jong were both present at UEFA's emergency online meeting held on Thursday, where representatives from across European football discussed how to respond to FIFA's latest proposal. UEFA hasn't held back in expressing its disapproval either, having already released two strongly worded statements criticizing the plan.
Should the boycott move forward, it would apply to every FIFA competition - including the men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup.
What Happens Next
According to reports, Infantino is aiming to bring the proposal to a formal vote in September. Meanwhile, the first real test of UEFA's resolve could arrive as early as October, when qualifying playoffs for the Women's World Cup are scheduled to take place.
Infantino has defe.
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