UEFA voted unanimously Thursday to boycott all FIFA competitions. All 55 member associations backed the decision after an emergency meeting. In it, over 50 nations condemned FIFA president Gianni Infantino's privatization push, while other governing bodies like Concacaf have yet to weigh in.
UEFA Unanimously Rejects FIFA's World Cup Sale
"No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," the organization said in a statement.
The UEFA boycott targets Infantino's new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprises. The entity would hold commercial rights to all FIFA tournaments, with Josh Kushner's Thrive Eternal and JP Morgan selling minority stakes at a $20 billion valuation.
Critics fear outside investors could push to expand tournaments or reshape scheduling to maximize returns, putting more strain on players already stretched thin.
"Investor expectations become a daily pressure," the UEFA statement continued. "From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders."
Concacaf criticized the lack of consultation surrounding FIFA's plan, but has not committed to a similar walkout. Its 41 nations called their own emergency session for later Thursday.
However, the fallout is guaranteed to hit the women's game first.
UEFA's Boycott Could Impact the 2027 Women’s World Cup
Europe holds 11 of the 32 spots allocated to next summer's 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Defending champion Spain, England, France, and Germany would all sit out if the walkout holds.
The boycott's earliest test comes in September, when Poland hosts the Women's U-20 World Cup.
