Belgian FA backs UEFA boycott as Infantino eyes World Cup sale

In Brussels, the Koninklijke Belgische Voetbalbond (KBVB) issued a firm response to Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a portion of the World Cup (WK) to private investors, declaring its full backing of UEFA’s call for a boycott if the proposal proceeds. The Belgian FA said the move strikes at the very heart of international football.

The KBVB explicitly endorsed the joint statement released by UEFA and the 55 European national associations, which condemned FIFA’s suggestion to open ownership of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private capital. By aligning with UEFA, the Belgian federation reinforced a continent‑wide opposition.

It voiced fundamental concern not only about the content of the proposal but also about the manner in which it was crafted. The association warned that the lack of transparency and stakeholder involvement undermines the integrity of the sport.

According to the KBVB, a decision with such historic and irreversible impact on global football can only be taken through a transparent, inclusive and carefully governed process, involving full consultation with national associations, confederations and all football stakeholders.

For the Belgian federation, the debate touches the essence of what international football should represent. The World Cup is described as far more than a commercial product – it is one of the world’s greatest sporting and societal symbols, built over generations by players, supporters, clubs, competitions, national associations and millions of volunteers.

UEFA declares European teams will boycott FIFA tournaments

The KBVB maintains that ownership and governance of the sport’s premier international competitions must never be subjected to the commercial interests of external shareholders. It warned that private‑investor ownership would fundamentally shift the balance between sporting, societal and financial interests, with possible repercussions for the international calendar, competition formats and the future of global football.

Pascale Van Damme, chair of the KBVB board, said: “This proposal raises fundamental questions about governance, transparency and accountability. Decisions with such impact on the future of world football must be made through a transparent and careful decision‑making process, respecting existing consultation structures and ensuring meaningful involvement of national associations.”

She added that the federation has a responsibility to safeguard the integrity, autonomy and core DNA of football. “The World Cup is a unique sporting and societal heritage that must be managed in the interest of football and its stakeholders,” Van Damme asserted.

UEFA's boycott threat rattles FIFA and puts the World Cup at risk

During today’s meeting, European football associations unanimously expressed their opposition, stating that European national teams will not take part in FIFA competitions as long as the proposals remain in force. The collective stance underscores a united front against the commercialization of the sport’s flagship tournament.

The KBVB fully endorses this joint position and pledges to continue working with UEFA and its European partners to ensure that international football is governed according to the highest standards of transparency, good governance, independence and respect for the interests of the game and all its stakeholders.