UEFA Threatens World Cup Boycott Over FIFA Investment Plans

Sports

UEFA's 55 member associations have voted to boycott FIFA competitions if plans to sell stakes in the governing body's tournaments to private investors are approved.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting called after FIFA announced proposals earlier this week to allow outside investors to buy minority stakes in competitions such as the World Cup.

UEFA has strongly opposed the idea, describing the World Cup as "one of football's greatest sporting legacies" and insisting it should never be treated as a commercial investment.

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product," UEFA said in a statement. "It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."

If FIFA president Gianni Infantino's proposals are approved by member associations, UEFA says its boycott would extend to all FIFA competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup.

The first major test of UEFA's position could come in October, when the Women's World Cup play-offs are scheduled.

Sources described the atmosphere at UEFA's emergency meeting as highly charged, with delegates expressing overwhelming opposition to the proposals. England FA chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham were among those who spoke during the discussions. Despite serving as one of FIFA's vice-presidents, Hewitt is understood to have had no prior knowledge of Infantino's plans.

Opposition is also growing outside Europe. Concacaf, which represents 41 national associations across North and Central America and the Caribbean, announced that it had also rejected the proposal. Sources suggest confidence in Infantino's leadership is weakening among Concacaf members.

The standoff marks one of the most significant governance disputes in world football in recent years, with the future ownership and control of FIFA's flagship competitions now at the centre of a growing conflict.

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