European nations to boycott the World Cup if FIFA goes through with controversial plans

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FT Desk

European nations from UEFA have agreed to boycott the World Cup if FIFA and President Gianni Infantino go ahead with controversial plans to sell shares in the tournament to private equity firms.

The Times reported this week that FIFA is weighing up the creation of a new commercial company that would manage flagship tournaments including the men's World Cup, Women's World Cup and Club World Cup.

Critics fear the move could place greater emphasis on generating revenue, potentially resulting in larger tournaments, a more frequent schedule than the current four-year cycle, and a greater focus on staging events in the world's most profitable markets instead of maintaining geographic rotation.

The proposed structure would reportedly leave FIFA as the majority shareholder, while allowing private investors to acquire up to a 30% stake. The remaining 20% would be distributed evenly between FIFA's 211 member associations, which would each be free to retain or sell their allocation.

The same reports suggest Infantino could become commissioner of the new company after completing what is expected to be his final term as FIFA president in 2031, while he would be in line for a salary around 10 times what he's making now.

Further reports published a day later claimed FIFA had proposed a financial incentive for its member associations. Nations that back the proposal would reportedly receive $40 million, while those that reject it would instead be paid $10 million.

A source described that communication as a form of "bribery".

The reaction to the plans has been universally negative, particularly from UEFA, who accused FIFA of trying to sell the soul of the game.

It seems the governing body of European football will make good on their threat to not take part in the World Cup, should FIFA's plans come to fruition

"UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions," a statement read.

"UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. 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.

"It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game.

"This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA's duty as the custodian of world football.

"National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football's greatest competitions or bear the consequences. This is not a 'democratic decision', but governance by intimidation - an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game."

In a video released by FIFA on Wednesday, Infantino defended this plans, calling them "an offer, not an obligation".

"It's part of a democratic process - a consultation process - and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation," he added.

"It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally."

The European Leagues organisation said FIFA's proposals were "a reckless and divisive development for world football".