UEFA Threatens FIFA Boycott Over World Cup Share Sale Plan

European football's governing body, UEFA, has issued a strong warning to FIFA, threatening a boycott of all its competitions, including the prestigious World Cup. The confederation declared that none of the 55 national associations under its umbrella would participate in any FIFA events if the world football body moves forward with its plan to sell shares of its tournaments to private investors.

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As a result of today's discussions, no national team from UEFA's member associations will participate in any FIFA competition as long as this proposal is in place.

"As a result of today's discussions, no national team from UEFA's member associations will participate in any FIFA competition as long as this proposal is in place," UEFA stated in an official release. The organization emphasized that this stance is unified across all its member federations, who "unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership rights of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors."

UEFA argues that the World Cup is a significant part of football's legacy, built over generations by players, teams, and fans worldwide. It should not be treated as an investment asset to be sold off. The confederation also criticized the proposal's development process, describing it as opaque and lacking adequate consultation with stakeholders.

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UEFA and its 55 member associations are united. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership rights of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

"There are things that are too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And as long as Europe still has a voice, this event will never be sold," UEFA declared. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly been exploring the possibility of selling stakes in FIFA competitions, potentially forming a company to manage tournaments like the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. This move has drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, which insists that control of these premier events must remain firmly within the football community, not with private investors.

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There are things that are too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And as long as Europe still has a voice, this event will never be sold.