UEFA to Boycott FIFA Tournaments Over World Cup Stakes

UEFA has announced it will boycott FIFA tournaments if Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, moves forward with his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting of UEFA's 55 member associations.

Infantino has set a deadline of September 19 for football associations to support his plan, which includes a £30.1 million ($40 million) incentive for acceptance. UEFA's statement expressed a unanimous rejection of the proposal, emphasizing that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment product.

The organization criticized the lack of consultation regarding such a significant proposal, labeling it a failure of leadership and an abdication of FIFA's responsibilities. UEFA warned that allowing external investors to acquire ownership interests would fundamentally alter football, prioritizing commercial returns over the sport's integrity.

Consequently, UEFA declared that no national teams would participate in FIFA competitions as long as the proposal remains active.