Uefa, the governing body for European football, and its 55 member associations have voted to boycott World Cups and other Fifa competitions if the global football organisation proceeds with its plan to sell stakes in its events to private investors. The decision was made during an emergency meeting held virtually and chaired by Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.
The boycott would encompass all Fifa competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup. This stance would be triggered if Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s proposals are approved by member associations. The first instance where this position could be tested at a senior tournament is in October, during the scheduled Women’s World Cup play-offs.
Fifa’s proposed investment model
Fifa aims to establish a commercial subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage its primary events, including its World Cups. External investors would then be invited to acquire minority, non-controlling stakes in this new entity. The proposal requires approval through a vote by Fifa’s 211 members.
Infantino has communicated to these members that they could receive $40m if they support his proposal. He set a deadline of 19 September for federations to accept his plans to access an initial $20m. Should Infantino’s plan gain approval, Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is anticipated to lead the proposed investor group for FFE.
Uefa has expressed strong opposition, stating that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment product. They argue that it is a significant sporting legacy, built over generations, and no part of it should be surrendered to private investors. The organisation declared, “The World Cup is not for sale.”
Strong European opposition
In a statement released after their meeting, Uefa and its member associations unanimously rejected Fifa’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other Fifa competitions to private investors. They criticised the proposal as “irresponsible and indefensible” for being conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without meaningful consultation with those who oversee the sport.
Uefa views this as a “profound failure of leadership” and an “abdication of Fifa’s duty as the custodian of world football.” They also described the situation as an ultimatum for national associations, characterising it as “governance by intimidation” rather than a democratic decision.
While Uefa represents a quarter of Fifa’s membership, it includes many of the world’s most successful teams. For example, six of the eight quarter-finalists, including winners Spain, at this summer’s World Cup were European. In the 2022 and 2018 editions, the numbers were five and six respectively. Of the 23 World Cups held to date, 13 have been won by European countries.
Laura McAllister, Uefa vice-president, indicated that Fifa’s proposals present a “genuine existential threat to the game.” She expressed optimism that boycotts might not occur, noting that Europe is the “powerhouse of world football.”
Wider reactions and potential implications
The Football Association in England has voiced its support for its European counterparts, stating that it “fully support[s] the collective view” and opposes Fifa’s plans. A spokeswoman for the FA affirmed, “the Fifa World Cup belongs to football and always will.” The Scottish FA also added its support, agreeing with the concerns raised regarding the manner in which the proposals were issued and the deadline set without full consultation.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, called Uefa’s decision a “principled decision” that is strongly supported, asserting that “Football belongs to the fans, not billionaire investors.” Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, criticised the plans, suggesting that proceeding with the idea would mean Fifa had “sold out.”
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, described Uefa’s stance as “very impressive” and a “proper show of force.” He added that it was the response football needed and the response Gianni Infantino deserved. Other regional football bodies, such as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf, have also criticised Fifa’s proposals.
Former FA chairman David Bernstein believes that Infantino will need to reconsider his position, stating that the deal is “not acceptable.” He suggested that if Fifa wishes to raise capital, there are alternative, better methods. Bernstein does not anticipate a long-term schism, as it would be detrimental for both parties, noting that Fifa cannot afford to exclude European nations from its competitions, and Europe cannot afford to be outside of them.
The implications for the Women’s Under-20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Poland from 5 September, remain uncertain, as this date precedes Fifa’s 19 September deadline for associations to claim an initial $20m payment by 1 January.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”