European federations unite to boycott Infantino’s $20 million plan

European football associations announced on Thursday that all 55 UEFA members will boycott the FIFA World Cup and every other FIFA competition, condemning President Gianni Infantino’s $20 million per‑member proposal to sell stakes in the tournament to private‑equity investors.

UEFA issued a statement after an urgent online meeting of its 55 national associations, declaring “UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions.” The body added, “Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”

Infantino’s plan offers $20 million to each of FIFA’s 211 members and creates a $20 billion subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The new entity would be 20 % owned by private investors, with a core investor identified as a New York investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of President Donald Trump’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner.

In a letter to the 211 members, Infantino explained that approval of FFE would double the basic funding from $10 million to $20 million for the next four years, projecting each member would receive $86 million through 2038 instead of roughly $36 million under the current model.

UEFA declares European teams will boycott FIFA tournaments

The next FIFA tournament on the calendar is the Women’s Under‑20 World Cup in Poland, scheduled to start on September 5, while the four British federations remain the sole bidders for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, a decision due on November 23.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino held the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy before handing it to captain Rodri #16 of Spain at the award ceremony after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) AP reported the scene.

Football Supporters Europe posted on social media, “Game over, Gianni #InfantinOUT,” reflecting growing fan anger. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, warned in a letter to its 46 members that FIFA’s unilateral actions could undermine the foundations of continental football.

UEFA threatens boycott over FIFA World Cup share sale

UEFA also warned that external investors acquiring ownership stakes in FIFA competitions would permanently alter football, stating, “The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation and investor expectations become a daily pressure.”

FIFA has set a November 18 deadline for candidates to declare for a presidential vote scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco, while the decision on the 2035 Women’s World Cup bid is expected on November 23, underscoring the looming governance battles.