Uefa threatens World Cup boycott over Fifa investment plans
European and North American football associations have rejected Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in major competitions to private investors.
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European football's 55 member associations have voted to boycott Fifa competitions if the sport's governing body proceeds with a plan to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors. The decision followed an emergency meeting held to discuss a proposal by Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Uefa stated that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment product and must not be surrendered to private investors.
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The opposition extends beyond Europe. Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America, said its 41 member associations rejected the proposal after meeting on Thursday. According to the BBC, Concacaf members expressed concerns regarding the lack of due process and the short deadline imposed for the decision. The combined 96 associations from Uefa and Concacaf represent a significant voting bloc against the measure.
The FFE proposal
Fifa intends to create a commercial subsidiary named Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage its main events. This entity would allow external parties to purchase minority, non-controlling stakes. If approved, US venture capital firm Thrive Eternal is expected to lead the investor group. Gianni Infantino has offered $40m (£30m) to member associations that back the proposal, with an initial $20m (£15m) available to those who accept by 19 September.
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The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies.
Uefa
Governance and leadership concerns
Uefa described the proposal as an existential threat to the game and accused Fifa of governance by intimidation. The European body claimed the plan was conceived in secret and without meaningful consultation. Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister told BBC Radio Wales that the proposal was a catastrophic move rushed through without proper governance. The Football Association confirmed it supports the collective view of its European colleagues.
The first test of this boycott stance is expected in October during the Women's World Cup play-offs.
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