An insider from UEFA spills the details on what went down during the World Cup boycott talks.
An insider who joined UEFA’s recent meeting with all 55 member associations shared what went on during their talks about boycotting FIFA tournaments.
On Thursday, July 30, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin led a meeting with all member groups, including the FA, where they voted to boycott World Cups if FIFA moves ahead with its plan to sell shares of its tournaments to private investors.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a controversial idea: inviting outside investors to buy small, non-controlling stakes in a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This company would handle the commercial rights for all future tournaments.
Infantino gave a deadline of September 19 for all 211 member associations worldwide to agree to this plan, offering a £30 million payment as a reward for support. Associations that agree by then would get £15 million starting January 1, 2027.
FIFA hopes to raise up to £3.1 billion by selling parts of FFE, which they value at around £15 billion.
UEFA responded angrily, accusing FIFA of using football to “enrich themselves and their friends,” and made it clear that football “is not FIFA’s to sell.”
After Thursday’s urgent meeting, UEFA said all 55 members would boycott FIFA events, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, if the plan goes ahead. This plan still needs a vote from all 211 members.
UEFA released a statement saying: “Europe’s position is clear. We will never support this model. No one has the right to sell what they only hold in trust for future generations.
“No UEFA teams will take part in FIFA competitions if these plans proceed, unless they are completely dropped and FIFA promises never to allow private ownership in its game again.
“UEFA and its members will fight these plans with all their strength. Some things in football are just too important to sell. The World Cup belongs to football, and as long as Europe has a say, it will never be for sale.”
The FA also backed UEFA’s position, clearly opposing FIFA’s proposals.
Professor Laura McAllister, who joined the meeting, shared more about the discussions and the risks of letting private equity into football.
She told BBC Radio Wales, “Everyone agreed we must stop this terrible plan to sell off part of football to private investors. It threatens the very heart of the game.
“Once you sell a piece of football’s crown jewels, private investors have different goals than those who care for the game.
“UEFA and FIFA are not-for-profit, so all money earned from big events like the World Cup goes right back into football. Selling even 20% means losing that portion forever, and it would break the ethical foundation of football.”