UEFA and CONCACAF Oppose FIFA's World Cup Investment Plan, Threaten Boycott
UEFA and CONCACAF have strongly rejected FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. Both continental governing bodies criticize the proposal as undermining football's integrity and have threatened boycotts if the plan proceeds.
UEFA has unanimously rejected FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other competitions to private investors. The European football body criticised the plan as a threat to the integrity and governance of the sport, accusing FIFA of pursuing the proposal without meaningful consultation.
FIFA had reportedly set a September 19 deadline for member associations to support the initiative and offered financial incentives to back it. UEFA warned that allowing private investors to acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions would prioritise commercial returns over the interests of players, fans, clubs and national associations.
The organisation insisted that decisions affecting football's future should not be influenced by shareholder expectations or profit motives. It also stated that European national teams would refuse to participate in FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeds without being permanently withdrawn.
AFC and CONCACAF have joined UEFA in opposing the controversial plan, significantly strengthening resistance to FIFA's investment strategy. Both confederations argue that privatising aspects of the World Cup would undermine football's governance and compromise the sport's most prestigious tournament.
Their united stance has intensified pressure on FIFA as it seeks to raise billions of dollars through the proposed commercial rights deal.