UEFA Mulls Boycott Over FIFA's Plan to Sell World Cup Stakes

UEFA is set to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss a possible boycott of FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup and Club World Cup, in response to FIFA's proposal to sell minority stakes in the World Cup. The French sports minister Marina Ferrari said European stakeholders need to speak with a single voice on the issue. FIFA plans to raise $4.2 billion for a new commercial entity that would control the tournament's event operations, valuing the venture at $20 billion.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has already expressed opposition, and the confederation said it has consulted “stakeholders across the game” and noted “significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.” The organization warned that member associations could lose a $20 million payment if the plan proceeds.

Other governing bodies have voiced similar concerns. CONCACAF said it learned of the deal through media reports and is “deeply concerned by the lack of due process.” The Asian Football Confederation and England’s Football Association both said they were not consulted and lack substantive details. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham added that football belongs to fans, not investors.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is up for re-election, has been linked to the new company, though he denied any discussion of a future role. The proposal has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of transparency and the idea of treating the World Cup as a tradable asset.