In brief
European football’s governing body, UEFA, has declared it will boycott all FIFA events if the international federation proceeds with its new plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. The proposal, unveiled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, would create a commercial subsidiary open to third‑party investment, which UEFA opposed as a breach of football governance. UEFA’s statement equated the World Cup with the greatest sporting legacy that must not be treated as an investment product and threatened boycotts of the men’s and women’s World Cups, Club World Cup and other tournaments. Stakeholders from national federations, governments and media have rallied against the move, warning that selling football for profit could undermine the sport’s integrity and fan base.
UEFA threatens boycott of FIFA tournaments over new investment plan
European football’s governing body, UEFA, has declared it will boycott all FIFA events if the international federation goes ahead with a proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
The emergency meeting on Thursday saw the 55 member associations reach a unanimous decision in opposition to the plan unveiled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, which would create a commercial subsidiary open to third‑party investment.
UEFA’s statement likened the World Cup to 'the greatest sporting legacy' that should not be treated as an investment product and warned that any approval would trigger boycotts covering men’s and women’s World Cups, the Club World Cup and others.
National federations, governments and media commentators have joined the chorus of protest, calling the proposal a breach of the sport’s governance and accusing FIFA of cash‑grabbing at the expense of fans.
The timing of the decision comes just before the Women’s Under‑20 World Cup, set to launch in Poland, and could derail plans to secure early private investment. FIFA has not yet responded, leaving the future of the tournaments uncertain.
