UEFA votes to boycott World Cup in protest to FIFA selloff

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeNewsUEFA votes to boycott World Cup in protest to FIFA selloffFIFA plans to transfer major commercial and tournament operations into a new entity called FIFA Forward EnterpriseAuthor of the article: You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Earlier this week, the organizer of European football reacted furiously to proposals from FIFA that it would seek private investment. Photo by Robert Hradil/Getty ImagesUEFA’s 55 member nations have resolved to boycott FIFA tournaments if President Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, according to a person familiar with the matter.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe decision by Europe’s powerful member association was finalized during a virtual crisis meeting held Thursday to address the controversial selloff proposal. The boycott is expected to significantly undermine Infantino’s strategy, which requires FIFA’s 211 associations to approve the plans by September 19 or face potential financial penalties.“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said in a statement. “No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive.”Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe threat will likely end FIFA’s plans. Europe is home to a number of the best teams, including recent World Cup winners Spain. The UEFA nations are also FIFA members, set to individually vote on the spinoff proposals.Bloomberg first reported UEFA was considering a boycott of FIFA events. Earlier this week, the organizer of European football reacted furiously to proposals from FIFA that it would seek private investment.In response, UEFA began holding internal discussions about how clubs and member associations could boycott events. That includes the World Cup as well as the Club World Cup, an expanded FIFA-backed tournament that could rival UEFA’s own lucrative Champions League.FIFA’s proposal plans to transfer major commercial and tournament operations into a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise. The vehicle would initially be valued at about US$20 billion, with FIFA seeking to raise as much as US$4.2 billion from outside investors while retaining sole control through majority representation on its board.UEFA and FIFA, both nonprofit organizations, have long had an uneasy relationship, which has worsened due to FIFA’s recent encroachment into UEFA’s domain. The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, boasting a US$1 billion prize fund split among 32 teams, now stands in direct rivalry with the Champions League, one of football’s most financially rewarding competitions.Furthermore, player unions have voiced complaints over increasingly congested schedules resulting from additional competitions. Since they are responsible for player salaries, clubs are actively pushing to curtail international tournaments to mitigate the risks of player fatigue and injuries.FIFA did not respond to a request for comment.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.