UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, issued a firm ultimatum on Thursday, declaring that its member associations will boycott the men's and women's World Cup unless FIFA abandons its controversial proposal to sell stakes in the tournaments to private investors. This unprecedented threat from European nations places significant pressure on FIFA, which recently unveiled a plan to establish a new company tasked with managing all commercial rights for its major events, including the marquee World Cup.
The dispute centers on FIFA’s intention to sell minority interests in this new commercial entity to private firms, including an investment group led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner. This proposal has triggered widespread backlash across European soccer leadership. England's Football Association expressed its full support for the collective stance, stating, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view."
In North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the governing body Concacaf has scheduled an emergency meeting of its 41 member associations to address the proposal. Concacaf officials expressed deep concern regarding the lack of due process, emphasizing that decisions of this magnitude must be guided by robust processes, good governance, and long-term stewardship of the game.
While FIFA has defended the move, arguing that it would retain all decision-making authority for its tournaments and that the deal only involves a portion of its commercial venture, UEFA remains unconvinced. Representing 55 member associations, UEFA sharply criticized the potential for external influence, warning that football would be permanently altered if outside investors gained ownership interests in FIFA competitions.
"Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure," UEFA stated. The organization further argued that even minority stakeholders would inevitably reshape the World Cup, shifting the focus away from the sport itself. "From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders."
The tension arrives as FIFA prepares for the 2030 World Cup, a landmark event marking the centenary of the tournament. The 2030 edition is set to be hosted primarily in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional centenary matches planned for Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Fluminense FC and Al Hilal at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl., on July 4, 2025. Alex Grimm/Getty Images North America hide caption
The dispute comes ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will mark the tournament's centenary, celebrating 100 years since the inaugural edition in Uruguay in 1930. The event will be staged mainly in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
