If UEFA does not abandon its commercial plan, FIFA will boycott the World Cup.
UEFA and its 55 member national football associations have announced that they will not participate in the organization's competitions if FIFA does not cancel its new commercial plan for the World Cup.
According to the Financial Times, UEFA opposed FIFA's new commercial project during an emergency meeting held online on Thursday. According to the decision, if FIFA does not abandon this plan, UEFA member countries will boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
In a UEFA statement, it was noted that until FIFA's proposal is completely withdrawn, no national team that is a member of the organization will participate in FIFA tournaments.
This concerns plans put forward by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to sell a 20 percent stake in a new commercial structure, valued at $20 billion, to private investors (link). FIFA planned to channel the funds from this deal to its 211 member associations, allocating $20 million in advance to each. However, UEFA has sharply rejected this initiative.
"The World Cup cannot be viewed as an investment product. No part of it should be handed over to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale," the organization's statement said.
The publication notes that UEFA includes leading football nations such as Spain, France, and England. Therefore, without European teams, the commercial appeal of the World Cup could significantly decline.
The boycott decision is being assessed as one of the most serious confrontations between FIFA and UEFA in recent years. The English Football Association has also announced its support for UEFA's position.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also sharply criticized the plan to establish a separate company to manage the World Cup and offer a 20 percent stake to external investors.
