NYON: European football’s 55 member associations have unanimously backed a proposal to boycott FIFA World Cups if world football’s governing body moves ahead with plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting convened by UEFA following FIFA’s announcement earlier this week outlining a proposal to attract private investment into its flagship tournaments.

UEFA Declares “The World Cup Is Not for Sale”

In a strongly worded statement, UEFA reiterated its firm opposition to the proposal, describing the FIFA World Cup as one of football’s greatest sporting legacies that should never be commercialized.

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said.

“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.”

The statement reflects growing concern among European football leaders that outside investment could undermine the integrity and heritage of the world’s most prestigious international football competition.

According to UEFA, the proposed boycott would extend beyond the men’s FIFA World Cup and also cover the Women’s World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The boycott would come into effect if FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal receives formal approval from FIFA’s member associations.

European football officials argue that the governance and ownership of global football competitions should remain within the sport rather than being transferred to private investors.

The first major test of UEFA’s position could come in October, when the Women’s World Cup play-offs are scheduled to take place.

If FIFA proceeds with the investment proposal before then, Europe’s national teams could refuse to participate in qualifying events, creating one of the biggest governance disputes in international football history.

The latest disagreement highlights increasing tensions between UEFA and FIFA over the future direction of world football.

While FIFA has promoted private investment as a way to strengthen the commercial value and long-term growth of its competitions, UEFA maintains that the World Cup is a global sporting institution whose ownership should never be partially transferred to commercial investors.

The outcome of the proposal could have far-reaching implications for international football, with European nations accounting for many of the sport’s strongest national teams and most successful tournaments.