UEFA has declared it will stage a comprehensive boycott of all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, should President Gianni Infantino’s contentious proposals to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors be approved.
The decision, reached during an emergency UEFA meeting on Thursday, was unanimously agreed upon by all 55 of UEFA's member associations. A statement confirmed that "no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive." This drastic measure underscores UEFA's strong opposition to FIFA's plans.
UEFA's boycott carries significant leverage, as a World Cup without major European nations such as champions Spain, France, England, and Germany would severely undermine Infantino’s revenue-generating objectives for the global tournament. Six of the eight quarter-finalists from the recent World Cup were European, highlighting the continent's crucial role.
The move would also impact next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil, with Spain being the reigning winners and European champions England also attracting substantial commercial interest. England, runners-up at the 2023 World Cup, along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, are scheduled for two-legged qualification play-offs in October.
The English FA echoed UEFA's sentiment, stating, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view. We oppose FIFA’s plans – the FIFA World Cup belongs to football and always will."
FIFA recently revealed plans to establish a new subsidiary valued at $20 billion, with 20 percent ownership to be held by private investors, to manage the commercial rights and delivery of the World Cup and other major tournaments. Thrive Eternal, led by Joshua Kushner, brother-in-law to former U.S. President Donald Trump, is reportedly set to lead this new investment venture.
UEFA criticized the move, stating, "This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football. The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure."
In a letter to member associations, Infantino had promised an increase in 'FIFA Forward' funding from approximately $8 million to $20 million for the upcoming four-year cycle between 2027 and 2031 if the new subsidiary is created. Additionally, a "one-off" payment of another $20 million was offered to member associations that vote in favor of his proposals on September 19. Conversely, federations that do not pass the vote would see their funding for the 2027-2031 cycle reduced to $10 million, a potential loss of $30 million.
UEFA's statement further elaborated on the ultimatum presented to national associations worldwide: "National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences. This is not a ‘democratic decision’, but governance by intimidation – an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game."
Many smaller nations, particularly outside Europe, rely heavily on FIFA funding for national team operations, grassroots development, and infrastructure investment. Infantino himself had previously claimed, "Without FIFA, there would be no football in 150 countries in the world."
UEFA's confirmation of the boycott comes ahead of a crucial vote by FIFA's 211 member associations on September 19. Infantino's proposals require a majority vote of above 50 per cent from as well as backing from the FIFA Council. UEFA's success in preventing the proposal hinges on securing support from other confederations, such as North America or Asia.
UEFA and its 55 member associations stand united in their rejection of FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. They argue that such a significant proposal was developed in secret without meaningful consultation and represents a failure of leadership and an abdication of FIFA's custodial duty.
UEFA asserts that the introduction of external investors would permanently alter football, prioritizing commercial returns and investor expectations over the best interests of the game. They believe this model has no place in world football, as it risks subordinating the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players, and supporters to investor returns. UEFA maintains that football's future cannot be mortgaged for financial gain and that Europe will not legitimize this model.
The organization stated, "As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership." UEFA emphasized its determination to oppose these plans, viewing this as a critical moment for institutional integrity.
Meanwhile, the majority of the 2030 World Cup will be staged in Europe, with Spain and Portugal sharing hosting rights along with Morocco, following games in South America hosted by Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to commemorate the tournament’s centenary year.
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