UEFA will boycott FIFA tournaments if Gianni Infantino goes ahead with his proposal to sell off a stake in the World Cup
This decision was taken at an emergency meeting of all UEFA’s 55 member associations this afternoon.
Infantino has given football associations until September 19, to back his plan to sell off part of FIFA to private investors with a £30.1m ($40m) incentive to accept.
It is a move that UEFA has kicked against and threatened not to be part of the next tournament.
A statement read: “UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions
“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 has 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.
“It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game. This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.
“National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the
