UEFA warns of FIFA boycott over World Cup deal

The Union of European Football Associations, along with its 55 member associations, has rejected FIFA’s plan to let private investors buy stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions.

They warned that European national teams would boycott FIFA tournaments if this plan goes through.

In a statement on Thursday, UEFA called the proposal an attempt to commercialise football’s biggest event. They insisted that “the World Cup is not for sale.”

UEFA accused FIFA of creating this plan in secret. They said FIFA is trying to push it through without proper consultation with those who govern the game.

“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,” the statement said.

UEFA also condemned FIFA’s way of making decisions. They said, “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.”

The organization claimed that national football associations are being pressured to accept the plan, calling it “governance by intimidation” instead of a democratic process.

UEFA explained their opposition by saying that allowing private investors into FIFA competitions would change football’s focus from sports to profits.

“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure.

“Every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders,” the statement explained.

UEFA insisted that football’s future “cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return.” They added that national associations, clubs, leagues, players and supporters should not be secondary to investor interests.

The governing body announced that its members agreed that no UEFA national team would take part in FIFA competitions while the proposal is still being considered.

“As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for as long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership,” the statement added.

UEFA concluded by saying they would fight the proposal “with absolute determination,” insisting that “some things are simply too important to sell” and reaffirming that “the FIFA World Cup belongs to football.”

This news comes after FIFA announced earlier this week that it plans to set up a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise. This new body would oversee the commercial rights to the World Cup and other competitions while allowing a minority stake for outside investors.

FIFA claimed this move could raise over $10bn for football development in the next four years. They insisted they would keep control over governance and sporting decisions.

The proposal has faced backlash from several football stakeholders, including European Leagues and players’ union FIFPRO Europe, who are worried that private investment could harm the governance and long-term integrity of the sport.