New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- UEFA has welcomed FIFA's decision to withdraw its proposal to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors, while sharply criticising FIFA President Gianni Infantino and calling for greater transparency and accountability within world football's governing body.

The proposal was unanimously rejected by UEFA's national associations and by many other federations and confederations of all sizes around the world, whose job it is to protect football, according to a media release.

UEFA also thanked all the fans, leagues, clubs, players, individuals, associations and confederations that opposed the scheme, alongside the many Prime Ministers, Heads of State and commentators who have demonstr...