HOT: UEFA ready to boycott World Cup, FIFA stirs up global football turmoil

An unprecedented proposal from FIFA is pushing world football toward the brink of deep division. UEFA and all 55 member associations have united in a firm stance, ready to boycott the World Cup if Gianni Infantino's controversial plan is not withdrawn.

UEFA has issued a strong message after an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations to discuss FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal regarding opening up tournament ownership to private investors. According to the Mirror, this plan could directly impact the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup, sparking fierce opposition across Europe.

Earlier, FIFA reportedly sent letters to all 211 member associations, promising $40 million in support if they endorse the new model. UEFA has twice voiced opposition, arguing that the proposal was developed without transparency and adequate consultation. Notably, at the end of the meeting, the member associations agreed on a decision that could shake world football if FIFA does not change its stance.

After the meeting, UEFA confirmed that all 55 member associations, including the Football Association, have agreed not to attend the World Cup or any FIFA tournaments if the plan is approved. In an official statement, UEFA emphasized: "UEFA and its member associations will not participate in any FIFA tournaments." This is seen as the strongest warning European football has ever sent to FIFA.

UEFA also completely rejected the idea of selling tournament ownership rights. The European football governing body stated: "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of the greatest sporting legacies of football... The World Cup is not for sale." The organization also criticized FIFA for making the proposal in secret, calling it "a serious failure of leadership" and an abandonment of responsibility toward world football.

Furthermore, UEFA warned that allowing private investors to take control would mean that all decisions regarding match schedules, formats, and the future of football would be driven by commercial interests rather than sporting values. The statement read: "This model has no place in world football... Football cannot trade its future just for financial gain." UEFA also declared that it would only return to FIFA tournaments when the plan is completely scrapped and FIFA commits not to open ownership to the private sector.

The Football Association immediately expressed agreement with UEFA, stating: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the common position. We oppose FIFA's plan. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football and always will."

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino continues to defend the proposal, saying it is merely "an opportunity, not an obligation", while emphasizing that the new model would help commercialize tournaments to benefit all 211 member associations. However, with UEFA's firm stance, world football is facing the risk of an unprecedented confrontation between the two most powerful organizations in the sport.