UEFA member federations agreed Thursday to boycott all FIFA competitions in protest at Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors.

“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 European football body said in a joint statement.

“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.”

UEFA’s strategy meeting was called to counter FIFA president Infantino’s offer of $20 million to each of its 211 global members that has to be accepted by mid-September.

Infantino’s secret proposal was revealed Tuesday to spin off its commercial operations in a $20 billion operation, of which 20 per cent will be owned by private investors.

The core investor would be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain,” UEFA added.

“Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation.”

The next FIFA competition is in Europe, the Women’s Under-20 World Cup hosted by Poland from Sept. 5.

Published on Jul 30, 2026