European Nations Threaten World Cup Boycott Over FIFA Investment Plan

European football’s 55 member associations have voted to boycott future FIFA World Cups if the world football governing body goes ahead with plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting organised by UEFA after FIFA announced the proposal earlier this week.

The planned boycott would affect all FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, if FIFA member associations approve the proposal.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin chaired the virtual meeting, where all 55 member associations agreed to reject the plan.

In a statement, UEFA said: “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.”

England’s Football Association also backed UEFA’s position.

A spokesperson for the FA said England stands “shoulder to shoulder” with its European partners and fully supports the collective decision.

“We oppose FIFA’s plans. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football and always will,” the spokesperson added.

Although UEFA represents only 55 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, it includes many of the world’s strongest football nations.

Six of the eight quarter-finalists at this year’s World Cup were from Europe, including champions Spain. European teams have also dominated recent tournaments, with 13 of the 23 World Cup titles won by countries from the continent.

The first major test of UEFA’s position could come in October, when the Women’s World Cup play-offs are scheduled to take place.