Uefa to boycott World Cups if Fifa plans are approved

On July 30, 2026, the 55 member associations of Uefa voted to boycott World Cups if Fifa implements plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. This decision came after an emergency meeting that addressed a proposal revealed earlier that week by Fifa, the governing body of world football.

Concacaf, which oversees football in North and Central America and recently hosted the World Cup, stated that its 41 member associations rejected Fifa president Gianni Infantino's proposal during their meeting on Thursday. Reports indicate that Concacaf countries are also losing confidence in Infantino. Uefa had previously expressed its disapproval with two critical statements, reaffirming its stance that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment entity.

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product," Uefa stated on Thursday. "It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies, 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."

Uefa's boycott would apply to all Fifa competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup, and would be triggered by member associations' approval of Infantino's proposals. The first instance this position will be challenged will be at the Women's World Cup play-offs scheduled for October.

FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham reportedly voiced their concerns during Uefa's meeting, which was described as having a charged atmosphere due to strong opposition to the proposals. Despite being a vice-president at Fifa, Hewitt was unaware of the discussions Infantino had been conducting regarding the proposals.

Infantino aims to create a commercial subsidiary to manage Fifa's main events, allowing external investors to buy stakes in it. The proposal, referred to as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), requires a vote from Fifa's 211 members, needing 106 votes to pass. Uefa and Concacaf members together represent 96 associations, likely to vote against the proposal. Infantino has pledged $40 million to member nations supporting his plan, with a deadline of September 19 to agree if they wish to receive an initial $20 million.

In a recent video, Infantino defended the proposals, describing them as "an offer, not an obligation". If sanctioned, Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group for FFE. Fifa sources confirmed there has been no discourse on appointing Infantino, or anyone else, as chief executive of FFE.

On July 30, Uefa unequivocally rejected Fifa's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, asserting that they "stand as one" with their member associations. Uefa's statement characterized the proposal as "irresponsible and indefensible" for being conceived without adequate transparency or consultation. The organization expressed concern that Fifa's lack of leadership is failing its duty as the steward of world football.

Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister warned that Fifa's plans constituted an "existential threat to the game". In solidarity, the English FA affirmed their complete support against Fifa's plans, asserting that the Fifa World Cup "belongs to football and always will." Concacaf shared their deep dissatisfaction regarding the process surrounding the proposal and the imposed short deadline. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Football Supporters' Europe, Ronan Evain, commended Uefa for its impressive stance against the proposals.