UEFA is preparing to hold an emergency virtual meeting with its 55 member associations as opposition grows to FIFA’s proposed $20 billion commercial venture. The meeting is expected to take place before the end of the week, with European football leaders set to discuss their response to the governing body’s latest financial strategy.

One of the key topics expected to be raised is the possibility of a World Cup boycott, a move that would represent UEFA’s strongest response if it decides to challenge FIFA’s proposal.

FIFA plans new commercial subsidiary

At the centre of the dispute is FIFA Forward Enterprise, a newly established entity that would oversee the commercial and event operations of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

FIFA intends to raise as much as $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes in the subsidiary, which has been valued at $20 billion. The project is being developed with the support of multinational financial services firm J.P. Morgan.

Among the potential investors is Thrive Eternal, an investment firm launched by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

UEFA strongly rejects the proposal

UEFA reacted sharply after details of the plan emerged, arguing that the proposal goes beyond what football’s governing institutions should permit. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,” UEFA said.

“None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.” The governing body believes the issue is significant enough to consider stronger measures, including a World Cup boycott.

Also Read | Neymar confirms Brazil retirement after emotional World Cup exit

A similar approach proved effective in 2021 when European football opposed FIFA’s proposal to stage the World Cup every two years. That plan was eventually dropped after widespread resistance.

The proposal has also drawn criticism outside football. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham criticised the idea, saying, “football does not belong to investors”.

US President Donald Trump with FIFA President Gianni Infantino | X [BBC]
ZOOM IMAGE
US President Donald Trump with FIFA President Gianni Infantino | X [BBC]

Infantino defends FIFA’s vision

Despite the criticism, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the proposal, saying the project is designed to increase football’s commercial value while expanding financial support across the game. “This is about the democratisation of football worldwide,” Infantino said.

FIFA has also presented its proposed FIFA Fast-Forward Programme to its 211 member associations, highlighting larger development payments as one of the main benefits.

Under the proposal, each national federation could receive $20 million during the 2031-34 commercial cycle. That amount would increase to $22 million in the following cycle and $24 million in the cycle after that. At present, FIFA has committed $8 million to each association through the 2027-30 cycle.

FIFA says football governance will remain unchanged

FIFA has stated that it will continue to hold full authority over football governance, competitions, regulatory matters and the international match calendar. It also said member associations would have the choice of whether to participate in the new commercial opportunities.

Also Read | FIFA rights sale plan sparks global football governance storm

The organisation generated approximately $12 billion in revenue from the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where ticket and hospitality prices reached record levels.

At this stage, FIFA has not announced when the proposal will be formally discussed or put to a vote by its ruling council and member associations. The next scheduled FIFA Congress will take place online on November 23, when hosts for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups are expected to be confirmed.

FAQs

Why is UEFA considering a World Cup boycott?

UEFA is opposing FIFA’s proposed $20 billion commercial venture and is discussing a possible boycott at an emergency meeting.

What is FIFA’s $20 billion proposal?

FIFA plans to create a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, and raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to investors.