UEFA threatens FIFA World Cup boycott over Infantino's private investors plan
UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions in response to President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a 20% stake in a new commercial entity to private investors. The European football body argues that the World Cup should remain under the control of football organizations rather than private equity firms.
Why it matters
This conflict highlights a major power struggle over the commercialization and governance of global sports institutions.
UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions after FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed selling a stake in the World Cup and other tournaments to private equity investors.The European football body announced the decision on Thursday after an emergency online meeting with its 55 member associations.“UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” UEFA said after the meeting.The next FIFA event on the calendar is the Women's Under-20 World Cup, which will be held in Poland from September 5.Explaining its stand, UEFA said the World Cup should remain under football's control.“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said in a statement. “The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will.
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