Europe threatens to boycott FIFA World Cup
Imagine a FIFA World Cup without England, France, Spain, or any other country from Europe.
That’s exactly what the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is threatening, in response to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to effectively sell shares in future World Cups to private investors.
Infantino is offering each of FIFA’s 211 member associations $20 million by voting for the plan.
On Thursday, UEFA released a scathing statement, in which they say they will boycott the FIFA World Cup if Infantino’s plan goes through.
“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 UEFA statement reads.
“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 went on to call Infantino’s process, which they said was “conceived in secret,” both “irresponsible and indefensible.”
“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.”
European teams will not participate in any FIFA competitions until Infantino’s proposal is abandoned, 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… Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is set for next year in Brazil. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are the hosts of the next men’s World Cup in 2030.
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