UEFA Threatens FIFA Boycott Over World Cup Ownership Plan

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and its 55 member associations have unanimously opposed FIFA's proposal to permit private investors to acquire ownership interests in the FIFA World Cup and other global competitions. In a statement released on Thursday, UEFA warned that European national teams would boycott FIFA tournaments if the proposal is implemented.

UEFA criticized the proposal as an attempt to commercialize football's premier competition, asserting that "the World Cup is not for sale." The organization accused FIFA of developing the proposal in secrecy and attempting to advance it without adequate consultation with stakeholders. UEFA emphasized that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment product, highlighting its historical significance built over generations.

UEFA also condemned FIFA's decision-making process, labeling it as "governance by intimidation." The governing body declared that no UEFA national teams would participate in FIFA competitions while the proposal is under consideration, unless it is entirely abandoned and assurances are provided against future private ownership.