RT-Engels: 31-07-2026,
The European football governing body has blasted a plan to sell off stakes in competitions, calling it an “ultimatum”
European football’s 55 member associations have unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup if its governing body goes ahead with its plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
In a statement on Thursday, UEFA, which oversees Europe’s football, said it rejects a proposal by world football governing body FIFA to transfer ownership interests to stakeholders, calling it an “ultimatum.”
“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever… From that moment onwards, every decision… is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders,” it wrote. “The World Cup is not for sale”
UEFA stressed that none of the teams in its national associations would take part in any FIFA competition while the private equity bid remains on the table. The boycott would cover all of the global body’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Statement on behalf of UEFA and its 55 National Associations
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 30, 2026
The proposal includes the creation of a new commercial subsidiary valued at up to $20 billion to run major football events.
In a press statement on Tuesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is up for reelection next year, said private investors would receive a minority stake.