European nations threaten to boycott World Cup if FIFA sells stakes to investors

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is considering boycotting future World Cup events if FIFA proceeds with plans to sell stakes to private investors.

The football governing body is seeking to raise around £3 billion from private investment in its competitions, including the World Cup. Reports indicate that FIFA intends to do this via a minority stake in a new entity called the FIFA Forward Enterprise.

UEFA claims FIFA has crossed a line, and European member nations are expected to hold an emergency meeting this week.

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According to Sky News, there is a willingness to use the ultimate threat of boycotting the World Cup if FIFA President Gianni Infantino does not back down.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin chose not to attend the World Cup final following a series of disagreements between the two governing bodies. It is understood that the Football Association was completely unaware of FIFA’s plans before the announcement.

Several Football Associations were reportedly not briefed on the plan before it became public, sparking widespread fury.

The possibility of boycotting the 2027 Women’s World Cup is also said to be on the table as part of efforts to compel FIFA to abandon the deal, which UEFA believes does not augur well for the sport.

SB/JE

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