FIFA’s announcement of its new project was not merely a passing commercial move. Within days, it had become one of the most controversial issues in the history of the game. Whilst FIFA insists the project aims to increase financial resources and expand support for national associations, European stakeholders believe it paves the way for investors to be brought into the heart of the management of football’s most important tournaments, foremost among them the World Cup. The crisis has escalated rapidly, with European federations threatening to boycott the World Cup as a means of pressure. Meanwhile, UEFA is preparing to examine legal…