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European football has taken a united stand against FIFA's proposal to allow private investors to buy stakes in its flagship competitions, with UEFA's 55 member associations unanimously voting to boycott future FIFA tournaments if the plan is approved.
The decision was reached during an emergency UEFA meeting called after FIFA unveiled plans to establish a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee major competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. Under the proposal, minority, non-controlling stakes in the subsidiary would be sold to external investors.
UEFA strongly rejected the proposal, insisting that the World Cup is a historic sporting competition that should never become an investment asset. In a statement released after the meeting, European football's governing body said the tournament belongs to generations of players, supporters, and national teams, adding that no part of it should ever be sold to private investors.
The boycott would apply to all FIFA competitions should the proposal receive approval from the organization's 211 member associations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged national federations to support the plan, offering up to $40 million in funding for those that vote in favour. Associations have until September 19 to approve the proposal and qualify for an initial payment of $20 million.
UEFA also criticized the way the proposal was developed, accusing FIFA of introducing a decision with far-reaching consequences without meaningful consultation. The organization described the process as a failure of leadership and argued that member associations were being pressured into accepting irreversible changes to world football.
Reports from the meeting suggested discussions were tense, with several officials expressing frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal. England's Football Association and the Scottish FA both backed UEFA's position, while football authorities in North and Central America, Asia, and Africa also raised concerns about the process.
The proposed investment group is expected to be led by Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner. FIFA has maintained that the proposal is optional and would strengthen the financial future of the game.
Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein believes FIFA may ultimately be forced to reconsider its plans, warning that a World Cup without Europe's leading nations would significantly reduce the tournament's sporting quality and commercial appeal. While both sides remain firmly opposed, many believe a compromise will eventually be necessary to avoid a damaging split in world football.
