UEFA and its 55 member associations are boycotting all FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, in protest of FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to external investors. The European body calls the World Cup "not for sale" and criticizes FIFA's lack of consultation, while FIFA defends the plan as crucial for development funding.
UEFA's Unanimous Boycott
UEFA and its 55 member associations have unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, in protest of FIFA's plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to external investors. The decision follows FIFA's announcement to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would manage commercial and event operations and offer up to 20% stakes to private investors. UEFA's boycott will remain in place until FIFA abandons the proposal entirely and provides binding assurances against future private ownership of competitions.
Core Facts and Reactions
UEFA's decision was made during an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday. The European soccer body stated that the World Cup is "not for sale" and criticized FIFA's lack of consultation with member associations. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin condemned the plan, calling it a "profound failure of leadership."
FIFA's Rationale and Response
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the proposal, stating it would raise up to $4.2 billion to fund development programs. He argued that the plan would "democratize football worldwide" and benefit smaller federations with increased funding. The proposal requires approval from 75% of FIFA's 211 member associations by September 19.
Global Reactions
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have also criticized FIFA's plan, stating they were not consulted. The English FA, Scottish FA, and other European associations have expressed strong opposition, with some questioning Infantino's leadership and understanding of football's cultural significance.
Potential Impact
The boycott could significantly impact the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, as European nations may refuse to participate. The next FIFA tournament, the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland, is scheduled to begin on September 5, and UEFA's stance could affect its participation.
Financial and Governance Concerns
UEFA and other critics argue that selling stakes to private investors could compromise the integrity of football and its governance. They emphasize that the World Cup is a sporting legacy built by players, teams, and supporters, not an investment product. The proposed lead investor, Thrive Eternal, is linked to Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, raising additional scrutiny.
Next Steps
FIFA's proposal will be voted on by its member associations, with a deadline of September 19. If approved, the plan would create FFE as a commercial subsidiary, with FIFA remaining a not-for-profit organization. UEFA's boycott will remain in effect until the proposal is abandoned.