European boycott pledge leaves FIFA’s investment plan on brink of collapse

UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments until the organisation and its p resident, Gianni Inf antino, drop plans to invite private investment in a company to run the World Cup (Bradley Collyer/PA) European World Cup boycott pledge strikes blow against FIFA’s investment plan FIFA’s plans to sell off stakes in a World Cup company to private investors appear in tatters after European nations pledged to boycott all its competitions until the project is scrapped. UEFA reacted furiously when the plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) first emerged in media reports in The Times and the Financial Times on Tuesday. Less than 48 hours later, UEFA’s 55 member associations insisted they would not participate in any FIFA tournament until the plan was withdrawn, with the battle lines between the European and global governing bodies now firmly drawn. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain. “Europe’s position is clear.

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Scoop News DeskEurope · Published Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 6:22 PM UTCUpdated Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC

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Statement on behalf of UEFA and its 55 National Associations The statement said the way in which FFE had come to light – with national associations and even European members of the FIFA Council blindsided until media reports emerged on Tuesday – was “irresponsible and indefensible”. CONCACAF members also held a meeting to discuss FFE on Thursday, with the confederation saying in a statement: “During the meeting, the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies.” Still to come this year… 📆 pic.twitter.com/WnuHZOgXC6 Although it made no mention of a boycott, the Press Association understands the sentiment expressed by the vast majority of CONCACAF members is they are losing confidence, or have lost confidence, in the ability of Infantino to continue as FIFA president.

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