European football’s governing body, UEFA, has warned it will boycott FIFA competitions if plans to allow private investors to buy stakes in the organisation’s flagship tournaments go ahead.
The decision was unanimously backed by UEFA’s 55 member associations during an emergency meeting convened after FIFA unveiled proposals to establish a new commercial subsidiary that would manage major competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Under the proposal, external investors would be able to acquire minority, non-controlling stakes in the new company, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said the World Cup should never become an investment asset.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” the organisation said, adding that the tournament represents one of football’s greatest legacies and should not be sold to private investors.
UEFA warned that if FIFA members approve the proposal, its boycott would extend to all FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.
The opposition is not limited to Europe. CONCACAF said its 41 member associations had also rejected the proposal, citing concerns over governance and the speed at which the plans were introduced. The confederation questioned why outside investment was necessary following what FIFA has described as its most profitable World Cup to date.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the organisation’s 211 member associations to support the plan, describing it as an opportunity rather than an obligation. According to reports, member associations that back the proposal would receive funding of up to $40 million, with an initial payment available to those who approve the plan before a September deadline.
If adopted, the investment consortium is expected to be led by Thrive Capital, a U.S.-based venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner.
UEFA criticised both the substance of the proposal and the process behind it, accusing FIFA of developing the plan without meaningful consultation.
The organisation said national football associations had effectively been presented with an ultimatum to either support the sale of interests in football’s biggest competitions or risk losing out, describing the approach as inconsistent with good governance.
Several national associations publicly backed UEFA’s stance. England’s Football Association said it stood “shoulder to shoulder” with its European counterparts, while the Scottish Football Association also expressed concerns over the lack of consultation.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed UEFA’s position, saying football belongs to supporters rather than private investors.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also criticised the proposal, previously warning that selling stakes in FIFA’s competitions would amount to the governing body “selling out.”
The Asian Football Confederation has also voiced disappointment that it was not consulted before the proposals became public, while the Confederation of African Football is expected to review the plans at an executive committee meeting next week.
FIFA has yet to formally respond to UEFA’s latest statement.
The proposal requires approval from a majority of FIFA’s 211 member associations. With UEFA’s 55 members and CONCACAF’s 41 associations currently opposed, Infantino will need support from other confederations if the plan is to proceed.
The dispute has emerged as one of the biggest governance battles in modern football, with critics warning that private investment in the World Cup could fundamentally reshape the future of the global game.
Discover more from Niyi Daram
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
