On Wednesday, UEFA accused FIFA of attempting to pressure associations into backing the plan by linking support to a one-off financial payout. The statement read: “UEFA and its national associations will not take part in competitions under FIFA. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer the equity of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments to private investors. The interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and fans must never be subordinated to investor returns. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football, and it always will.