OFFICIAL: UEFA releases statement on World Cup boycott

It is understood that all UEFA member countries have agreed to support a World Cup boycott as a response to FIFA's initiative to sell shares of the competition to private investors.

Earlier this week, FIFA proposed a plan to sell minority stakes in the tournaments it governs through a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would handle future commercial rights. President Gianni Infantino sent a letter to 211 member associations, promising £30 million in support for those backing the plan, and set a deadline of September 19 for federations to decide if they want the first installment of £15 million. According to multiple sources, Infantino could also benefit financially if the proposal is approved.

UEFA accuses FIFA of "enriching itself and its allies"

FIFA's plan has faced a wave of opposition from football associations worldwide. UEFA alleges that FIFA is using football as a tool to "enrich itself and those around it."

In a statement reacting to the plan, UEFA wrote: "This is a line that football governing bodies must never cross. UEFA considers this an extremely serious matter. Every national association, league, club, player, fan, government, and anyone who cares about the future of football should take this seriously.

The soul and governance of football are not assets to be bought and sold, especially in a context of complete opacity regarding who will benefit financially. None of us owns football. And FIFA has no right to sell it."

Under the plan, FIFA aims to raise approximately £3.1 billion from investors by selling minority stakes in FFE. The organization is currently valued by FIFA at around £15 billion.

Subsequently, reports emerged that all 55 UEFA member nations, including England, had voted in favor of a World Cup boycott.

UEFA takes a firm stance on potential World Cup boycott

In a statement released by UEFA on July 30, the organization said its member associations would not participate in any FIFA tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups, if the aforementioned proposal continues to be pursued.

UEFA stated: "UEFA and its 55 member associations stand united as one. We unanimously and firmly reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments to private investors.

The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of the greatest sporting legacies in football. It has been built over generations by players, national teams, and fans around the world. No part of the tournament should be handed over to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."

UEFA also strongly criticized FIFA's handling of the issue: "It is irresponsible and inexcusable that a proposal of such magnitude was developed in secrecy and nearly pushed through without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted to safeguard football. This is not only a serious failure of leadership but also an abandonment of FIFA's responsibility as the guardian of world football."

According to UEFA, national associations are being put in a difficult position: "Associations worldwide are facing an ultimatum: either accept the irreversible control of football's biggest tournaments or suffer the consequences. This is not a democratic decision, but governance by intimidation."

"If investors enter, football will change forever"

UEFA emphasized that the issue is not just about the approval process. According to the organization: "Once outside investors gain ownership in FIFA tournaments, football will change forever. Commercial profit will become a permanent obligation. Investor expectations will create daily pressure.

From that point on, every decision about the international match calendar, tournament format, or the future of football will no longer be made for the benefit of the sport, but for the benefit of shareholders. This model has no place in world football."

UEFA also stated that the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players, and fans cannot be placed behind those of investors: "Football cannot mortgage its future in exchange for financial gain."

UEFA declares readiness to boycott all FIFA tournaments

Concluding the statement, UEFA affirmed that Europe's position remains unchanged: "We will never legitimize this model. No one has the moral right to sell something they are only entrusted to preserve for future generations.

After today's discussion, no UEFA national team will participate in FIFA tournaments as long as this proposal exists, unless FIFA completely abandons the plan and provides binding commitments that it will never open ownership of tournaments or governance structures to private investors.

UEFA and its member associations will oppose this plan with absolute determination. There are times when an organization is judged not by what it accepts, but by what it refuses to compromise on. This is one of those moments.

Some values are simply not for sale. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always has. And as long as Europe has a voice, the World Cup will never be put up for sale."