FIFA has agreed to let its Council members examine important papers concerning a dropped proposal from its president to sell commercial rights in the World Cup to private backers. These papers can be reviewed at FIFA's main offices in Zurich under tight secrecy conditions, and members must indicate they wish to see them within a two-week period.
This decision comes after continued demands from UEFA, which has stated that simply canceling the plan is not enough without explanations about how it was developed. In a detailed letter, the body governing European football expressed worries about financial support for national bodies and other organizational matters, saying FIFA had not answered core concerns.
A senior FIFA official replied that UEFA's request posed an excessive number of questions. He noted that FIFA is working on an official answer to provide to all Council members later.
The disagreement has been made more complex by a lawsuit started by UEFA in the US, which asks for the release of information and records. UEFA has also indicated it may bring a criminal case in Switzerland regarding this issue.
Viewing the documents will only be possible at FIFA's Zurich location, and Council members need to apply to see them within the given two weeks.
Background and full detail: LEADERSHIP Newspapers
