UEFA to boycott FIFA tournaments over privatization plans

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has declared a boycott of all FIFA-organized tournaments, including the World Cup, in protest against FIFA's plan to sell stakes in its commercial operations to private investors. UEFA stated on March 31 that its 55 member associations unanimously reject FIFA's proposal to sell shares in major tournaments like the World Cup.

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UEFA and its 55 member associations unanimously reject FIFA's proposal to sell shares in major tournaments like the World Cup to private investors.

UEFA insists that FIFA must provide legally binding assurances that it will never again open its governance or tournament ownership to private entities. "The World Cup is the greatest sporting heritage in history, built by players, teams, and fans across generations," UEFA declared. "It cannot be treated as an investment product, nor is it for sale."

FIFA had announced the creation of 'FIFA Forward Enterprises' (FFE) to handle its commercial activities, including World Cup operations. The organization intended to offer stakes to Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of former White House senior advisor Jared Kushner. This marks the first time FIFA has expressed an intention to sell stakes in its subsidiaries to external parties.

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The World Cup is the greatest sporting heritage in history, built by players, teams, and fans across generations. It cannot be treated as an investment product, nor is it for sale.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly informed all 211 member associations that those supporting the plan by March 19 would receive $40 million (approximately 58 billion won), while those who do not would receive only $2.7 million (approximately 3.9 billion won) under the current distribution system. UEFA warned that football would change forever if external investors gained ownership stakes in FIFA tournaments, leading to permanent commercial obligations and daily pressure from investor expectations.

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If external investors gain ownership stakes in FIFA tournaments, football will change forever.

The potential boycott by UEFA could significantly impact FIFA's tournament revenue and prestige. In the 2026 North American World Cup, six of the eight quarter-finalist teams, including eventual champions Spain, were from UEFA member associations. Both the North American and Asian football confederations have also voiced their opposition. The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also rejected FIFA's proposal.

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FIFA's unilateral actions undermine the foundations of continental football based on solidarity, cooperation, and transparency.