UEFA threatens World Cup boycott over FIFA's $4.2B private equity plan

UEFA said on July 30, 2026, that its 55 member nations will boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the global organization proceeds with a plan to sell a stake to private investors.

The threat follows FIFA’s July 28 announcement of a proposal to sell a 20% stake in a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would take over all commercial and event operations and could raise up to $4.2 billion.

UEFA labeled the plan “irresponsible and indefensible” and demanded that FIFA abandon it entirely and provide binding assurances against any future private ownership of its governance or competitions.

The backlash extends to other confederations as Concacaf expressed similar concerns on July 29, saying it was disappointed that detailed plans were shared publicly without prior discussion with governance bodies and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought to downplay the controversy in a video on July 29, telling fans the sport would not change and stressing that the proposal was “simply a choice for our members,” not an obligation.

The proposed deal has also drawn scrutiny over Infantino’s ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA confirmed that Thrive Eternal, a private equity firm founded by Joshua Kushner—brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner—is expected to lead the investor group.