Boycott decision
European football's 55 member associations have voted to boycott all Fifa competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups, if Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes to private investors is approved. The decision was made at an emergency meeting called to discuss the proposal announced earlier this week. Uefa stated that 'no Uefa national teams will participate in any Fifa competition for so long as these proposals remain alive'. The boycott would be triggered if the proposals are voted through by Fifa's member associations.[S1][S2][S3]
Infantino's proposal
Fifa President Gianni Infantino wants to create a commercial subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to run its main events, allowing external investors to buy minority stakes. The plan needs approval from a majority of Fifa's 211 members. Infantino has offered each federation $40 million (£30 million) if they back the proposal, with a deadline of 19 September to accept an initial $20 million (£15 million). Fifa says Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group. Uefa called the proposal 'irresponsible and indefensible' and 'conceived in secret' without meaningful consultation.[S1][S2][S4][S5]
Reactions and implications
Uefa's statement said the World Cup 'cannot be treated as an investment product' and is 'not for sale'. The Football Association of England said it stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with European colleagues, opposing the plans. The Scottish FA also expressed support. The boycott could affect the Women's World Cup play-offs in October and the Women's Under-20 World Cup starting 5 September in Poland. European teams have dominated recent World Cups, with six of eight quarter-finalists at the 2023 World Cup being European. Uefa invited other confederations to join the boycott, and Asian Football Confederation president described Fifa's lack of consultation as 'totally unacceptable'.[S1][S3][S4][S5][S6]
