UEFA member federations have agreed to boycott the FIFA World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest over Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the tournament to private equity investors. The move represents a sharp escalation in a dispute over the future control of soccer’s biggest event.
The European soccer body said the decision was unanimous after an urgent online meeting involving its 55 members. That level of support suggests broad opposition across Europe to any plan that would bring private equity into ownership of the World Cup.
The boycott threat is not limited to one tournament. It would apply across FIFA competitions, increasing pressure on the global governing body as resistance to the proposal spreads. For European federations, the issue centers on whether outside investors should have a stake in a flagship competition with global importance.
The standoff now sets up a serious confrontation between UEFA nations and FIFA leadership. With European teams and associations playing a central role in FIFA events, the dispute could have major consequences if no compromise is reached.
