Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has unanimously agreed that its 55 member associations will boycott FIFA competitions if FIFA proceeds with plans to sell ownership stakes in its major tournaments to private investors.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting after FIFA unveiled its proposal earlier this week.
According to UEFA, the boycott would apply to all FIFA competitions, including:
The Men’s World Cup
The Women’s World Cup
The Club World Cup
UEFA said the boycott would take effect if FIFA members approve the proposal, with the first potential test coming during the Women’s World Cup play-offs scheduled for October.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said:
“We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed creating a commercial subsidiary to manage FIFA’s major tournaments, allowing outside investors to purchase stakes in the business.
He reportedly told FIFA’s 211 member associations they would receive $40 million if they support the plan, with an initial $20 million available to associations that approve it by 19 September.
UEFA has criticised the proposal, arguing that the World Cup is a global sporting legacy that should remain under football’s control rather than become an investment asset.
