UEFA to discuss World Cup boycott over FIFA private investment plan - sources

UEFA is moving to call an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to challenge a controversial new plan from FIFA. The governing body for global soccer intends to raise $20 billion through a private equity sale involving the FIFA Forward Enterprise. This new entity would gain control over commercial and event operations for future men's and women's World Cup tournaments.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino claims this move aims to increase development funding for member nations. However, the proposal has drawn immediate and sharp criticism from European leadership. UEFA issued a strong statement asserting that the sport is not an asset for FIFA to trade, especially when details regarding financial transparency remain unclear.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also publicly condemned the plan, stating that football does not belong to private investors. UEFA officials are reportedly considering all options, including a potential boycott of the World Cup, to block the proposal. This move mirrors the pressure tactics used in 2021 when UEFA successfully forced FIFA to abandon plans for a biennial World Cup.

While FIFA argues the project offers increased funding for member federations, the involvement of private financial interests has created a divide. With FIFA seeking to select minority, non-controlling partners, the standoff marks a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between European football leadership and FIFA. The outcome of this week’s emergency meeting will likely define the direction of the sport's commercial future.