UEFA has accused FIFA of using football "to enrich themselves and their friends" over proposals to sell off stakes in its major competitions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says its 211 member associations will receive €35.12million under plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, but has set a 19 September deadline if they want to access an initial €17.5m.
Infantino has made it clear to the associations that if they reject the plan their earnings will be €2.37billion — almost 75% less — but various members have voiced concerns.
On Wednesday evening, he subsequently called the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup a proposal but "not an obligation".
"It's part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process," Infantino said in a video provided by FIFA on Wednesday.
European football's governing body UEFA launched a fresh attack on the plan, saying in a statement: "Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off pay out offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.
"But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.
"FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly.
"It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans."
UEFA is looking to hold an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations this week to discuss the issue.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, England's Football Association has said it is "deeply concerned".
"We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached," the FA said.
"Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
"When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further."
UEFA said on Tuesday that it takes the plan "extremely seriously" and that it "crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross".
The body questioned FIFA’s transparency and CONCACAF, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, has also criticised world football’s governing body.
"CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release," it said in a statement.
"We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
"We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.
"As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.
"Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.
"This is the framework within which CONCACAF operates.
"We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner."
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Wednesday slammed the plans, saying the World Cup was not a commercial asset that belonged to a few executives.
"Football belongs to no individual and to no institution. It belongs to the people," Blatter told Reuters.
"If FIFA were transferred into a profit-oriented corporate structure, it would lose its soul," added Blatter, who was FIFA president for 17 years until 2015.
The Asian Football Confederation said: "The AFC firmly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and adequate time to assess the proposal in full, including its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications.
"Such a process is essential to ensuring that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and reinforces confidence in FIFA's governance framework."
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Additional reporting: Reuters
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Source: RTE
