The Liberal Democrats have called for the English FA and Uefa to walk away from Fifa, accusing world football’s governing body of “destroying the integrity of the beautiful game” after a series of controversies culminating in Donald Trump’s intervention to overturn a player’s match ban.
Sir Ed Davey, the party leader, said Fifa no longer serves the game or its supporters and should be completely dissolved. His demand follows Fifa’s shock decision to reverse a suspension for an American player after the US president stepped in, and mounting anger over astronomical ticket prices and hydration breaks that could generate up to $250m (£189m) in extra ad revenue.
“Liberal Democrats call for England to withdraw from Fifa after Trump's intervention overturned a player ban.”
The relationship between Uefa and Fifa has been tense throughout the World Cup. Europe’s governing body said the decision not to uphold the ban on Folarin Balogun had “crossed a red line”, branding it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”. Fifa has also faced criticism for its dynamic pricing system, which has priced many fans out of matches, and its handling of the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US to officiate at the tournament.
“Gianni Infantino has crossed red line after red line, allowing corporate greed to exploit fans at will,” Sir Ed said. “The only route forward is for the FA, along with other European governing bodies, to lead a co-ordinated exit from Fifa.”
The English FA is one of 211 national associations that are full members of Fifa. If it withdrew, England would be barred from competing in the World Cup. Sir Ed urged football associations to work together “to build a clean, transparent governing body that puts fans first”.
Fifa, Uefa and the FA have been approached for comment. Infantino has defended ticket costs, arguing they are in line with other US sporting events.
The Football Action Network, a campaign group, said there needed to be a debate about Fifa’s future. “Nothing should be off the table if the game’s global governing body refuses to reform,” said Niall Couper, the group’s chair.
The call for withdrawal raises an unresolved question: would the FA risk England’s place in future World Cups to break from a body many European officials now see as beyond repair?
