European soccer threatens to boycott FIFA competitions over privatization plans
by editors@theworld.org (Gerry Hadden) from The World: Latest Stories on (#77BS9)
UEFA - the European soccer governing body - says its 55 teams will sit out all FIFA competitions for as long as a plan to allow investors to buy 20% of the organization remains in place. The boycott would include the upcoming Women's World Cup and the next men's tournament - to be hosted by this summer's winner, Spain, along with Portugal and Morocco. FIFA argues the private cash will help soccer thrive around the world. Now, it must decide whether to possibly lose Europe or nix the plan altogether. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.