UEFA threatens boycott over FIFA World Cup share sale

UEFA has confirmed a boycott of FIFA, issuing a joint statement in which the European body and its 55 member associations threaten to withdraw from every FIFA‑organised competition unless the proposal to sell World Cup shares to private investors is abandoned.

The threat targets all FIFA‑organised tournaments, signalling a collective stand by European football. It underscores the unity of UEFA’s 55 national associations against the plan.

The contested proposal involves selling shares in the FIFA World Cup to private investors, a plan UEFA says jeopardises the sport’s integrity. UEFA argues that commercialising the tournament’s ownership would undermine the competition’s heritage.

The statement reads, “The World Cup is not for sale.” The declaration was signed unanimously by UEFA’s members, reinforcing a unified opposition.

UEFA declares European teams will boycott FIFA tournaments

UEFA rejected the proposal pushed by Gianni Infantino, declaring, “We unequivocally reject the proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built by generations. No part of this heritage should be handed over to private interests.”

UEFA described Gianni Infantino’s leadership as irresponsible, noting that the decision was devised in secret and without global consensus. The association said the move reflects a lack of leadership and an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the highest institutional authority.

Infantino pitches World Cup sale as UEFA and Pro League chief balk

Members feel subjected to intimidation and an ultimatum to accept an irreversible takeover, according to the statement. UEFA warned that such a shift would compromise the sovereignty of the most important international national‑team competition on the planet.

International football is described as being in an unprecedented institutional crisis, triggered by the World Cup share sale plan. European football appears determined to defend the sovereignty of the competition amid this deep split over governance.