UEFA vows World Cup boycott if Infantino and FIFA’s controversial investor plan is approved

UEFA’s 55 member associations have voted to boycott World Cups if FIFA proceeds with its plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. The vote came at an emergency meeting called to discuss proposals FIFA announced on Thursday (July 30, 2026).

Also read | UEFA intensifies opposition to FIFA’s World Cup plans

The boycott would get triggered if FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposals are voted through by member associations, and would cover all FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.

FIFA’s controversial plan involves creating a commercial subsidiary to run its major events, including the World Cup, with external investors able to buy stakes. Infantino wrote to all 211 FIFA member associations outlining the proposal and promising a financial windfall if it were approved, reportedly setting a September 19 deadline for federations to accept the plans.

In a statement, UEFA said it and its 55 members “stand as one”.

“We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. 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. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale,” it said.

“Our opposition goes far beyond process. This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain,” ir added.

Should FIFA press ahead regardless, UEFA’s stance will face its first test in October, when the Women’s World Cup playoffs are scheduled to take place.