UEFA hit out over Infantino's plans to sell WC & appear to accuse FIFA of bribing to gain support

UEFA have seemingly accused FIFA of bribing associations as they continue to scold Gianni Infantino's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup - criticising FIFA’s self-interest as they pressure associations with a £30million incentive.

FIFA wrote to national associations on Wednesday morning to explain their leaked plans, detailing that a £30m funding package will become available to associations should they sign off on the World Cup private investment plan.

In a letter to the associations, Infantino says associations must decide on the proposal - which would see private investors procure a £3bn interest in the World Cup - by September 19 and explains the financial benefits of approving the project.

In response to the letter, UEFA said: 'Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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.'

Sources have told Daily Mail Sport that UEFA have scheduled crisis talks with all 55 member nations on Thursday as they rally the troops against FIFA.

FIFA hope to set up a company responsible for the commercial activity and 'operational delivery of FIFA tournaments', called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Investment bank J.P. Morgan is FIFA's financial advisor on the project while Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital is expected to lead the proposed investor group. Kushner is the brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared.

FIFA hope to raise more than £3bn for the venture from a diversified, global investor group which is thought to include sovereign wealth funds.

There are major concerns over what the proposals could mean for the game, including whether FIFA could increase the frequency of tournaments to create more opportunities for financial backers to see a return on their investment.