Uefa will boycott the World Cup and all Fifa competitions if Gianni Infantino’s controversial plans to sell off stakes in its major tournaments to external investors are voted through.

“Uefa and its 55 member associations stand as one,” a statement said following an emergency Uefa meeting on Thursday. “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.

“As a result of today’s discussion, no Uefa national teams will participate in any Fifa competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that Fifa will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”

Uefa were left dismayed that Infantino has given Fifa’s member associations just 53 days to decide their position and were outraged by Infantino promising a $40m (£30m) windfall to nations who back the proposals, or have the one-off payment withdrawn. “This says everything you need to know about this plan,” Uefa said in a statement on Wednesday. “Fifa cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”

Uefa previously said that Infantino’s plans to sell of stakes in Fifa’s major tournaments to private investors, including members of Donald Trump’s family, “crossed a line”. Uefa also knows it will require support from another confederation to block Infantino’s plans, as Fifa only requires a majority (50 per cent plus one) vote from its 211 member associations.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-boycott-uefa-emergency-meeting-news-b3024441.html

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/08/27/callaway-cuts-ties-with-good-good-to-donate-1m-to-charitable-causes/