UEFA Threatens FIFA Boycott Over Private Investment Proposal
European soccer governing body UEFA has threatened to withdraw its national teams from FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if FIFA proceeds with a proposal to sell a stake in a new commercial entity to private investors.
Following an emergency meeting on July 30, UEFA said FIFA’s leadership had introduced the plan without adequately consulting member associations. UEFA represents 55 of FIFA’s 211 national associations. It described the proposal as irresponsible and said its teams would boycott FIFA events until the plan was fully abandoned and binding assurances were provided against future private ownership of FIFA governance or competitions.
FIFA announced July 28 that it intends to sell a 20% stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, a newly created entity that would manage the organization’s commercial and event operations. FIFA said the transaction could raise as much as $4.2 billion from outside investors.
The proposal, supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has faced opposition beyond Europe. Concacaf, representing 41 associations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, also rejected the plan after an emergency meeting. The regional body called for greater transparency and stronger governance in FIFA’s decision-making process.
The planned investment has also prompted examination of Infantino’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA said Thrive Eternal, a private equity firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, was expected to lead the prospective investor group.
Infantino defended the proposal in a video released July 29. He said the structure would not change the sport watched by fans and presented it as an opportunity to accelerate soccer development worldwide. He also emphasized that participation would remain a choice for FIFA members rather than an obligation.
The dispute creates uncertainty over future international tournaments and highlights broader tensions over control, financing and accountability within global soccer administration.