Fifa’s World Cup plan is worse than the Super League
Uefa will boycott the World Cup and all Fifa competitions if Gianni Infantino’s controversial plans to sell off stakes in its major tournaments to external investors are voted through.
“Uefa and its 55 member associations stand as one,” a statement said following an emergency Uefa meeting on Thursday. “We unanimously and unequivocally reject Fifa’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other Fifa competitions to private investors.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.
“As a result of today’s discussion, no Uefa national teams will participate in any Fifa competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that Fifa will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”
Uefa were left dismayed that Infantino has given Fifa’s member associations just 53 days to decide their position and were outraged by Infantino promising a $40m (£30m) windfall to nations who back the proposals, or have the one-off payment withdrawn. “This says everything you need to know about this plan,” Uefa said in a statement on Wednesday. “Fifa cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”
A spokeswoman for the English FA echoed the Uefa sentiment, saying: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view. We oppose Fifa’s plans – the Fifa World Cup belongs to football and always will.”
Uefa previously said that Infantino’s plans to sell off stakes in Fifa’s major tournaments to private investors, including members of Donald Trump’s family, “crossed a line”. Uefa also knows it will require support from another confederation to block Infantino’s plans, as Fifa only requires a majority (50 per cent plus one) vote from its 211 member associations.
Follow all the latest news after Uefa’s bombshell boycott threat, below
World Cup news LIVE: Uefa debate boycott at emergency meetingMore from Uefa statement: ‘World Cup belongs to football’
“Nobody should be in any doubt: Uefa and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination,” finishes the Uefa statement.
“There are moments when institutions are judged not by what they are prepared to accept, but by what they refuse to compromise. This is one of those moments.
“Some things are simply too important to sell. The Fifa World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”
Will Castle30 July 2026 16:30
More from Uefa statement: ‘This model has no place in world football’
“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in Fifa competitions, football changes forever,” Uefa’s statement continued. “Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders.
“This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain.
“Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation.
“As a result of today’s discussion, no Uefa national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”
Will Castle30 July 2026 16:29
Uefa statement confirms boycott after Fifa’s ‘governance by intimidation’
“Uefa and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject Fifa’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other Fifa competitions to private investors,” Uefa’s statement read after an emergency meeting today.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.
“It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game. This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of Fifa’s duty as the custodian of world football.
“National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences. This is not a “democratic decision”, but governance by intimidation – an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game.
“But our opposition goes far beyond process.”
Will Castle30 July 2026 16:27
CONFIRMED: Uefa boycott Fifa competitions over Infantino plans
Uefa has released a statement confirming its boycott of Fifa competitions.
It read: “As a result of today’s discussion, no Uefa national teams will participate in any Fifa competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that Fifa will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”
Will Castle30 July 2026 16:24
Are clubs involved in Uefa’s boycott?
More details on Uefa’s boycott of Fifa competitions, namely whether it concerns clubs as well as countries.
According to sources, clubs have not been particularly discussed in this boycott due to the fact future editions of the Club World Cup haven’t actually been agreed yet.
The inaugural Club World Cup only passed by the skin of its teeth.
(Getty)
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer30 July 2026 16:18
Uefa to boycott all Fifa competitions – not just World Cup
Uefa’s boycott will include all Fifa competitions, not just the World Cup, unless Gianni Infantino climbs down from his sell-off plan.
(PA)
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer30 July 2026 16:13
BREAKING: Uefa will boycott World Cup if Infantino goes ahead with sell-off plan
Hearing that Uefa will boycott the World Cup outright if Gianni Infantino goes ahead with his plan to sell off the tournament.
It’s all been agreed between the member nations.
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer30 July 2026 16:07
World Cup boycott discussed as feeling of ‘unity’ within emergency meeting
I’m told the tone of Uefa’s meeting so far has been one of “unity”.
Dissenting federations were naturally looking at prospective Fifa money.
But that doesn’t come without cost, especially if they “break the whip”.
The meeting, which started at 2pm BST, and is still ongoing. I’m told it could go on for well over two hours.
The emergency meeting has inevitably discussed the threat of a boycott, and there is consensus that they will use if necessary.
(Getty)
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer 30 July 2026 16:02
Fifa aiming to finalise funding for controversial World Cup sell-off plan within months
Fifa is aiming to finalise private funding for its contentious World Cup company by the end of October.
The proposal to sell stakes in a private entity, which would manage all commercial and operational aspects of Fifa’s competitions, has provoked a strong backlash from Uefa and raised significant concerns among European clubs and major leagues globally.
Documents seen by PA outline an indicative timeline for the investment process. Investors are expected to gain access to a term sheet and selected materials in August, before submitting initial ‘Letters of Intent’ (LOIs) in September, detailing their desired investment.
Binding bids would then be agreed upon in October, with funds transferred to Fifa by the end of the month.
Jamie Gardner 30 July 2026 15:49
Uefa criticises Fifa for selling football’s ‘soul’
Relations have deteriorated between Uefa and Fifa in recent years, and Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin refused to attend the World Cup final following a series of disagreements over disciplinary procedures, refereeing logistics and match operations.
Gianni Infantino’s proposals drew fierce criticism from Uefa, which said the plans “crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross”.
“Uefa takes it extremely seriously,” it said in a statement. “So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.”
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood30 July 2026 15:29