World Cup faces big uncertainty as UEFA makes a rare move against FIFA
UEFA countries are reportedly all united in supporting a proposed boycott of the World Cup to protest FIFA’s plan to sell shares in the tournament to investors.
Earlier this week, FIFA suggested this idea. Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, sent a letter to all 211 member associations, offering £30 million if they agree to sell stakes in the World Cup, their main event. He set a deadline of September 19 for federations to accept or reject the plan to get the first £15 million.
FIFA said it will “invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments” in a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which will manage the commercial rights for future tournaments. Reports say Infantino could benefit financially from this plan.
Football groups worldwide have criticized the idea, with UEFA accusing FIFA of using the sport to “enrich themselves and their friends.”
UEFA’s statement said: “This goes beyond what football’s governing bodies should ever do. UEFA takes this very seriously, and every national football association, league, club, player, fan, and government should too.
“Football’s soul and leadership aren’t things to be sold—especially with no clear information about who will profit.
“Football isn’t owned by any one person. It’s not FIFA’s to sell.”
FIFA hopes to raise up to £3.1 billion by selling minority shares in FFE, which they value at about £15 billion.
It’s now clear that all 55 UEFA countries, including England, have voted to support a World Cup boycott.
On July 30, UEFA said its member associations will not take part in any FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
“UEFA and its 55 members stand together,” UEFA said. “We all strongly reject FIFA’s plan to sell ownership in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
“The World Cup isn’t something to be treated like an investment product. It’s one of football’s greatest traditions, built over generations by players, teams, and fans everywhere. No part should ever be sold to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.
“It’s careless and wrong that this important idea was made in secret and almost approved without talking to those responsible for the game.
“This shows a serious failure of leadership and a breaking of FIFA’s duty to protect world football.
“Now, national associations face an ultimatum: accept losing control of football’s biggest competitions or face the consequences. This isn’t a fair choice, but pressure and threats—a way of forcing a decision, which isn’t how world football should be run.
“Our opposition is not just about the process.
“If outside investors own parts of FIFA competitions, football will change forever. Making money will become the main goal. Investor demands will affect daily decisions. Choices about schedules, formats, and football’s future will focus more on profits than what’s best for the game.
“This approach has no place in football. Football’s future should never be controlled by those focused on financial gain.
“Nor should the interests of associations, leagues, clubs, players, and fans ever be less important than investor returns. Football can’t risk its future just to make money.
“Europe’s view is clear.
“We will never accept this model. Nobody has the right to sell what they only hold in trust for future generations.
“Because of today’s talks, no UEFA teams will join any FIFA competitions as long as these plans continue, unless the plan is completely dropped and FIFA promises never to allow private ownership in its governance or competitions again.
“Let there be no doubt: UEFA and its members will fight these plans with total determination.
“Sometimes, organizations are judged not by what they accept but by what they refuse to give up. This is one of those times.
“Some things are just too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And as long as Europe has a say, it will never be for sale.”