UEFA 55 Nations Vote to Boycott World Cup Over FIFA Private Investor Plan
Last update: July 30, 2026
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European football has just drawn a line in the sand; all 55 nations will boycott the World Cup if FIFA goes ahead with its controversial plan to sell off stakes to private investors.
In a dramatic escalation, UEFA 55 member associations have voted to boycott all World Cups if FIFA pushes through its plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, as reported by cbinews.tv.
The historic decision was made at an emergency meeting called to discuss the proposals announced by FIFA, world football governing body, on Tuesday.
UEFA, which governs European football, had already made its fury clear with two damning statements, and according to cbinews.tv, that strength of feeling has now been unanimously reaffirmed.
In a statement released after the meeting, UEFA said it and its 55 member associations stand as one.
We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors, it said.
The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football 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 boycott would cover every FIFA competition, including the mens and womens World Cups and the Club World Cup, and would be triggered if FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposals are voted through by member associations.
The first real test could come as early as October, when the Womens World Cup play offs are due to be held.
So what is FIFA actually proposing? The organisation wants to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, with external investors able to buy stakes in it.
In a letter to all 211 FIFA member associations, Infantino said they would receive $40m, about £30m, if they backed the controversial plan, with a deadline of 19 September to accept if they wanted to access an initial $20m, about £15m.
UEFA response on Wednesday was blistering. The organisation accused FIFA of using football to enrich themselves and their friends.
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