UEFA announces boycott of World Cup and Concacaf rejects Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in event
UEFA and its member associations have announced a boycott of all FIFA competitions in response to reports that FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed selling ownership stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Concacaf has also criticized the proposal, arguing that the World Cup should not be treated as a commercial investment product.
Why it matters
This represents a major governance crisis in international sports, threatening the future of the World Cup and the structural integrity of FIFA as a governing body.
UEFA and all of its national associations announced a boycott of the World Cup and all FIFA competitions Thursday. Hours after that announcement, Concacaf issued its own statement criticizing FIFA. The statements come days after it was reported FIFA president Gianni Infantino sought to sell stakes in the event to private investors .
The statement made it clear that all UEFA member associations agreed with the decision .
"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 World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies. It was 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."
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