- UEFA members voted to boycott FIFA competitions if the investment plan is approved
- The European body said the World Cup should never be sold to private investors
- FIFA says the proposal will generate more funding for football development
UEFA’s 55 member associations have unanimously agreed to boycott FIFA competitions if the world football governing body proceeds with its proposal to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the decision followed an emergency meeting convened after FIFA announced plans to establish a commercial subsidiary that would oversee its flagship competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.
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Under the resolution, UEFA members would withdraw from all FIFA competitions should the proposal receive approval from FIFA’s member associations. The first potential impact of the decision could come in October during the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs.
In a statement issued after the meeting, UEFA said its 55 member associations were united in rejecting the proposal.
The European football body argued that the World Cup should remain a sporting institution rather than a commercial asset, insisting that it belongs to generations of players, national teams and supporters, not private investors.
FIFA’s proposal would allow outside investors to purchase minority stakes in a new commercial entity responsible for managing its major competitions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations, promising financial incentives for those who support the plan. Under the proposal, each association could receive up to $40 million, with an initial $20 million available to federations that approve the initiative before the September 19 deadline.
UEFA has strongly criticised the proposal, accusing FIFA of prioritising commercial interests over the long-term integrity of the sport and warning that football’s biggest competitions should not be opened to private ownership.
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