UEFA announces unanimous boycott of World Cup after reports Gianni Infantino wanted to sell stakes in event

UEFA and all of its national associations announced a boycott of the World Cup and all FIFA competitions Thursday. The move came days after it was reported FIFA president Gianni Infantino sought to sell stakes in the event to private investors.

The statement made it clear that all UEFA member associations agreed with the decision.

“UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It was been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”

UEFA than called it “irresponsible and indefensible” that the proposal was “conceived in secret” and nearly approved without consulting with others. The organization called it a “failure of leadership,” a direct shot at Infantino.

UEFA said FIFA now has an ultimatum, “accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences.”

The organization then explained why selling to private investors would ruin the game.

“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders.

“This model has no place in world football.”

The organization stated it will not reverse its boycott until “this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”

FIFA and Infantino came under fire after reports emerged Monday suggesting Infantino was ready to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, including Joshua Kushner, the brother of U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Under the proposal, a new company would be formed to manage top FIFA teams and competitions. It was expected Infantino would be chosen to run that company once his time as FIFA president comes to an end in 2031. He reportedly would receive a salary similar to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s in the new role. Goodell made roughly $64 million per year.

UEFA wasted no time expressing its displeasure in that report, immediately issuing a statement Monday condemning that plan. That was the first step toward UEFA and it’s national associations announcing Thursday’s boycott.

While UEFA took swift action, they might not be the only governing body in the sport to speak up in opposition of FIFA. CONCACAF is reportedly holding an emergency call Thursday to discuss its concerns about the situation, per The Athletic.