UEFA boycotts World Cup over FIFA plan to sell tournament stakes to investors

UEFA's member associations have unanimously decided to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions, signaling a major rift in global soccer governance. The protest stems from FIFA's recent announcement to create a $20 billion subsidiary to manage its tournaments and offer up to 20% stakes to external investors.

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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.

In a strong statement, UEFA declared, "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive." The organization emphasized that the World Cup is a "greatest sporting legacy" built over generations and should not be surrendered to private investors. "The World Cup is not for sale," UEFA asserted, underscoring its commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport.

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The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent.

The decision has garnered widespread support from other football bodies. The English FA has pledged to "stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues." Furthermore, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have also voiced strong criticism, noting they were not consulted on FIFA's investor plan. This unified front from major continental confederations presents a significant challenge to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's vision for commercializing the sport's premier events.

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No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.