FIFA has responded to opposition from national football bodies over proposals associated with Gianni Infantino to sell stakes linked to the World Cup. The dispute matters because the tournament is football’s most valuable international competition, and any move to involve private investors could affect its governance, revenues and the influence of member associations.

The article says England and other UEFA nations are considering a unanimous boycott, while an American bloc also opposes the plans. FIFA is reported to have blamed media coverage for the backlash, but the proposals appear to have triggered broad resistance among international football stakeholders.