All 55 UEFA member associations have voted to boycott FIFA competitions if world football’s governing body proceeds with plans to sell stakes in its flagship tournaments to private investors.
The unanimous decision was reached during an emergency UEFA meeting convened to discuss the proposals unveiled by FIFA earlier this week.
The proposed boycott would cover every FIFA competition, including the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup, should FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plans receive approval from the organisation’s member associations.
The first potential impact could come as early as October, when the Women’s World Cup play-offs are scheduled.
UEFA: ‘The World Cup is not for sale’
In a strongly worded statement released after the meeting, UEFA said its members were united in opposing the proposal.
“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.”
FIFA proposal
FIFA wants to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage its major competitions, including the World Cup, with external investors allowed to purchase ownership stakes.
Infantino has written to all 211 FIFA member associations, promising each federation $40 million (£30 million) if they support the proposal.
According to the plan, associations that approve the proposal before the 19 September deadline would immediately receive an initial $20 million (£15 million).
Growing tension
UEFA had already made its opposition clear through two strongly critical statements before the emergency meeting.
Following the latest vote, the European governing body escalated its position by threatening a complete withdrawal from FIFA competitions if the proposal moves forward.
On Wednesday, UEFA further accused FIFA of using football “to enrich themselves and their friends,” deepening the growing rift between the two organisations over the future commercial ownership of international football’s biggest tournaments.
