Uefa to boycott World Cup over Infantino’s Fifa sell-off following unanimous vote
All European nations have vowed to boycott the World Cup if Fifa proceeds with plans to sell off stakes in a new commercial vehicle following a Uefa crisis summit.
England’s Football Association and the other 54 members of European governing body Uefa held emergency talks today to discuss their response to Fifa’s proposal.
All Uefa members unanimously agreed to support a boycott of future World Cups and other Fifa competitions, including the Club World Cup and Women’s World Cup.
“Uefa and its national associations will not participate in Fifa competitions,” it said.
“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.”
The FA added: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view.
“We oppose Fifa’s plans – the Fifa World Cup belongs to football and always will.”
What is Fifa’s World Cup sell-off plan?
Fifa has promised that raising $4bn from the sale of around 20 per cent in the new vehicle, Fifa Forward Enterprise, would treble its payouts to all 211 member associations and asked them to vote on the scheme in September.
But they have been hit by a fierce backlash since the details leaked on Tuesday, with FAs, continental federations, leagues, clubs and player unions all slamming a lack of consultation.
“Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation,” Uefa added.
“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.
“Nobody should be in any doubt: Uefa and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination.
“There are moments when institutions are judged not by what they are prepared to accept, but by what they refuse to compromise. This is one of those moments.
“Some things are simply too important to sell. The Fifa World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”
Trump links to Fifa World Cup sell-off plan
Uefa has the most sway of any of world football’s confederations due to Europe being home to top teams and the biggest media market, so its consent was always going to be essential.
It has repeatedly clashed with Fifa during Infantino’s 10-year reign over his plans to expand tournaments, potentially damaging Uefa’s powerbase.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was quick to condemn the move, while the European Commission has raised the prospect of attempting to block via competition law.
Uefa has been the loudest critic, accusing Fifa of trying to “sell football’s soul” and using the sport to “enrich themselves and their friends”.
The only proposed investor so far is Thrive Eternal, a vehicle owned by Joshua Kushner, whose elder brother is son-in-law to Infantino ally President Trump.
Infantino has already faced serious questions about his closeness to Trump, who he awarded the first ever Fifa Peace Prize last year and has even accompanied on state business.