FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged national football associations to support a proposal to sell part of the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup to private investors, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported that Infantino sent letters to the heads of national federations offering each association a €35 million subsidy in exchange for backing the plan.
Federations have until September 19 to approve the proposal, after which those giving their support could receive around €9 million, the report said.
The development follows a report by The Times, which said Infantino plans to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial rights through a new company that would oversee the organisation's flagship men's and women's tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The newspaper said the proposal could potentially generate tens of millions of pounds and that FIFA had consulted individuals with close ties to the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, European football associations are reportedly discussing the possibility of boycotting future World Cups if Infantino proceeds with plans to sell part of FIFA's commercial rights to private investors.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
