World cup sell-off: FA ‘deeply concerned’ over FIFA plan

FIFA faces growing revolt from Europe

The move comes as UEFA’s 55 member associations prepare for an emergency meeting amid growing opposition to the proposal.

In a statement, the FA said it was "completely unaware of this proposal".

Football's world governing body wants to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, with external investors able to buy in.

The venture, reported to be worth around $20 billion, would bundle broadcast rights, sponsorship, ticket sales and licensing fees.

FIFA has confirmed it is working with JP Morgan, while Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, is leading the search for investors.

It has emerged that at least two of FIFA's eight vice-presidents were not consulted.

Backlash over the World Cup plan

UEFA condemned the proposal before it was even published, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the tournament "was never anyone's to sell".

This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade, especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.

UEFA's virtual meeting later this week will weigh a response, with a boycott expected to be raised.

It caps a turbulent summer following England's World Cup exit, and comes as another controversy for FIFA threatens to reshape the game.