UEFA announces boycott of FIFA events over private‑investment World Cup proposal

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and its 55 member associations voted on July 30 to boycott all FIFA competitions, stating they “unanimously and unequivocally reject” FIFA’s plan to transfer ownership rights of the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. The proposal, put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, called for creating a $200 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and sell a minority stake, offering a $100 billion funding package to member associations if accepted by September 19, otherwise a reduced $27 billion package.

Former FIFA vice‑chair Jim Boyce called the plan “absurd” and warned that FIFA must rebuild trust with fans, emphasizing that the organization is non‑profit and should not be sold to investors. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani also signaled interest in the upcoming FIFA presidential election, adding further pressure on Infantino’s re‑election bid.